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Vancouver Sun
18-07-2025
- General
- Vancouver Sun
Best pasta recipes: A roundup of our favourite pasta dishes
A bowl or plate of pasta can make for a perfect meal. Whether stringy spaghetti, fresh-made stuffed pasta or a penne noodle in a standout sauce, pasta provides an almost unlimited number of main-dish options for lunch, dinner and beyond. Here are a few of our favourite pasta recipes to try making at home: Perfectly hearty, penne alla vodka sauce is tossed with a creamy and vibrant San Marzano tomato and vodka-infused sauce that is seasoned with fresh basil and parmigiano padano. Read Maria Fazzari Larosa's full recipe here. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Rod Butters learned this technique from an Italian chef who visited his kitchen in the 1980s when he worked at the Four Seasons. The pasta is pan-fried and stock is added, a little at a time, risotto style, yielding a delicious, nutty flavour. It's Butters' favourite way of cooking pasta. (Adapted from The Okanagan Table: The Art of Everyday Home Cooking) Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. Quick and easy pasta with canned tuna, San Marzano mini tomatoes and capers. So delicious. This dish takes only 15 minutes to make. Read Maria Fazzari Larosa's full recipe here. This gluten-free 'pasta' recipe, from The Wickaninnish Cookbook gives you Wickaninnish Inn chef Warren Barr's way with food — sophisticated with an element of surprise and playfulness. Barr prefers the deep hue of the purple carrots but says regular carrots will work too. Read the full recipe here. Here's a pasta dish by Patricia Wells that has all your favourite pizza toppings in a sauce. Penne is the preferred pasta here — it's sturdy enough to stand up to the rustic trimmings. A splash of reserved pasta water ensures a luscious consistency, while a pinch of salt adds the finishing touch. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. This recipe is adapted from One-Pot Pasta: From Pot to Plate in Under 30 Minutes by Sabrina Fauda-Rôle (Hardie Grant, 2016), who offers these pointers: Choose good-quality dried pasta with a rough, not glossy, surface. Imported pasta from Italy is worth the extra cost. Do not use quick cooking pasta. Always use cold water for one-pot pastas. If you use hot water, the pasta will soften too quickly. Be precise with your measuring or you'll throw off the cooking time. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. Whip up your own batch of stuffed pasta with this recipe shared by Chef Darryl Bartolata of Holts Cafe. 'The citrus zest brings a fresh zing to the dish, while the pine nuts add texture and richness. Not to be forgotten is the dash of warmth that the nutmeg brings to the dish,' he says. 'It's the perfect addition for these cool fall weather days.' Read the full recipe here. Puttanesca sauce is a traditional Italian sauce that's quickly put together from pantry staples. If you have canned tomatoes, garlic, olives, anchovies and capers, you can make this simple but flavourful sauce in a flash. I've put my own twist on this recipe, by omitting the anchovies and adding pancetta, and substituting spaghetti with tagliatelle pasta. Read Maria Fazzari Larosa's full recipe here. Big batch bolognese excerpted from Peace, Love and Fibre: Over 100 Fibre-Rich Recipes for the Whole Family by Mairlyn Smith. Read the full recipe here. Shrimp Aglio e Olio is the simplest, most delicious pasta recipe you can make. It's the perfect dinner recipe for weeknight meals. Read Maria Fazzari Larosa 's full recipe here. Chef Phil Scarfone, culinary director of Savio Volpe, Pepino's Spaghetti House, and Caffe La Tana, admits this fresh tomato pasta is a 'home go-to,' especially when the Kitsilano farmers market is full of garden-fresh tomatoes and basil. Read the full recipe here. This recipe, created by Maxime Durand, co-owner and executive chef of Eva Schnitzelhaus, plays with the idea of brunch fried rice, introducing Spaetzle dough into the mix. A simple dish to prepare, Durand suggests mixing it up by adding in a 'wide array' of different ingredients to suit your pantry stock — and preferences. Read the full recipe here. A trio of meats mix-and-mingle in this popular pasta dish from the Vancouver restaurant Ask For Luigi. A hearty helping would make a great weeknight or weekend main to gather around. Read the full recipe here. The rich taste of the most appreciated and well-known Spanish dish, paella, makes it a wonderful dish for company, but it has other virtues too, such as affordability, low in fat, and a variety of ingredients that contain most of the essential nutrients. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. This easy summertime weeknight recipe is perfect for those evenings when it's too warm to spend much time cooking over a hot stove. It's nutty and garlicky with the freshness of sweet basil. The time it takes to boil your pasta is all that's required to whip up this dish. While the pasta is boiling, make the pesto. Toss the pasta and pesto together, plate and serve with a generous piece of burrata. Read Karen Gordon's full recipe here. This pasta dish boasts a surprise ingredient — coffee! Shared by the team at Van Houtte Coffee, the recipe sees Italian favourites such as olive oil, chicken thighs and pancetta given a kick from fresh-brewed coffee. Buon appetito! Read the full recipe here. This two-pot meal can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, except for the Italian sausage. Since Italian sausage freezes well, I recommend you purchase them in bulk and freeze them. Before heading out to work, place a couple of links on a plate in the refrigerator to thaw and they'll be ready for use at the end of the day. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. If you like a creamy, garlicky pasta, you'll love this dish. What I love best about this recipe is its versatility. Besides bacon, feel free to change it up by adding chicken, ham or even shrimp. If you aren't a fan of mushrooms, feel free to omit it. The best part is the flavour is not compromised. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. This a pierogi recipe is perfect for guests who gather in the kitchen and want to help create the meal. Recipe from Tables & Spreads: A Go-To Guide for Beautiful Snacks, Intimate Gatherings, and Inviting Feasts by Shelly Westerhausen Worcel. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. Beloved bolognese sauce gets a twist with this recipe shared by the Vitamix team. In the savoury sauce, meat is replaced by blended walnuts and mushrooms. For those who prefer it, more mushrooms can be subbed in place of the suggested nuts. Read the full recipe here. This recipe, originally published in The Vancouver Sun's 2006 cookbook The Best Pasta by Ruth Phelan and Brenda Thompson, sees whole-wheat noodles subbed in for a healthier fix. Pieces of pumpkin and chopped toasted hazelnuts add richness and crunch to this savoury main dish. Read the full recipe here. • Best dinner recipes: A roundup of our favourite main courses • Best seafood recipes: A roundup of our favourite seafood dishes • Best dessert recipes: A roundup of our favourite sweet treats • Best salad and vegetarian recipes: A roundup of our favourite meatless dishes • Best bread recipes: A roundup of our favourite loaves, muffins and scones • These 18 Vancouver restaurants are Hollywood North favourites • Where to eat pizza in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat sushi in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat breakfast in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat ramen in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat seafood in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat Italian in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat French cuisine in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat in Metro Vancouver if you deal with allergies • Is it Happy Hour yet? The 10 best places to check out in Metro Vancouver • Cheers: Here are the 10 best restaurants for happy hour in Vancouver
Vancouver Sun
04-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Vancouver Sun
Best salad and vegetarian recipes: A roundup of our favourite meatless dishes
A salad doesn't have to be just a starter or a side dish. And this roundup of recipes proves that point. The addition of toppings such as cheese, protein and a plethora of other veggies turns a simple salad into a main meal dish. And if salad isn't your style? We've got a bunch of other vegetarian recipe ideas that serve up more plant-forward options. Here are some of our favourite salad and vegetarian recipes to try at home. Here is a roundup of some of our favourite salads and vegetarian recipes: Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. This vibrant winter radicchio salad is especially festive. It's quick, easy and a delightful balance of sweet, bitter and peppery flavours. And it's an elegant colourful side dish. Read Maria Fazzari Larosa's full recipe here. This gluten-free 'pasta' recipe, from The Wickaninnish Cookbook gives you Wickaninnish Inn chef Warren Barr's way with food — sophisticated with an element of surprise and playfulness. Barr prefers the deep hue of the purple carrots but says regular carrots will work, too. Read the full recipe here. 'You save yourself from having to make custom dietary meals for your veggie/vegan friends,' says Shannon Boudreau, of the Vancouver-based catering company The Lazy Gourmet. 'Also, food connects people over the dinner table and it's nice when everyone is sharing the same dish or dishes and no one is excluded with a separate meal.' Read the full recipe here. Whether it's Sukuma Wiki from Kenya, a dish of stewed spiced collard greens, a Greek Horta — which is greens like dandelion, amaranth, and chicory, boiled and dressed with olive oil — or Jamaican Calloloo, greens cooked with onion, garlic and sometimes coconut milk — however you serve them up, greens rock. A personal favourite, Punjabi-style saag. Read Raj Thandhi's full recipe here. Rich avocados complement roasted baby beets spiked with sherry vinegar in this colourful salad. Marinating the beets briefly produces a beautiful beet juice-tinted sherry vinaigrette. Adapted from Gjelina by Travis Lett, Chronicle Books, 2015. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. Makhani sauce is a tomato-based creamy based gravy that's indulgent, but incredibly easy to make. Paneer makhani is a Diwali dinner staple. If you haven't tried the dish yet, it pairs the makhani sauce with a cubed paneer, a traditional Indian cheese. It's widely considered the vegetarian version of butter chicken, or murgh makhani. Read Raj Thandhi's full recipe here. This recipe adapted from Feast: Recipes and Stories from a Canadian Road Trip by Lindsay Anderson and Dana VanVeller (Appetite by Random House, 2017) produces sweet, smoky kernels bathed in salty herbed butter. You may substitute any combination of fresh herbs. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. If you're looking for a soup that's as fancy as it is simple to make, this creamy lemongrass carrot soup is it. It's got everything you want in a starter: A velvety texture, a delicious flavour from lemongrass and ginger, and just the right amount of heat. It's smooth, rich and downright restaurant-worthy. But here's the best part: It's surprisingly easy to make. Read Karen Gordon's full recipe here. This creamy potato and kale soup is the perfect antidote to chilly weather. It is comforting, vibrant, and oh-so-easy to make. Yellow-fleshed potatoes work best for their creamy texture and buttery flavour. The carrots bring a hint of natural sweetness and a pop of colour, making the dish as appealing to the eyes as it is to the tastebuds. Read Karen Gordon's full recipe here. Vietnamese salad rolls, also known as Gỏi cuốn combine crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a choice of protein, such as shrimp, sliced chicken, char siu — Asian barbecue pork or tofu, all wrapped in delicate rice paper. They're light enough for warmer days but substantial enough for a meal. Read Karen Gordon's full recipe here. Developed by Canadian recipe creator Christine Tizzard for Bonne Maman, this tasteful tart mixes sweet strawberries with fresh asparagus and gooey Gruyere cheese. Yum! Read the full recipe here. The delicate green vegetables of spring deserve a gentle hand. During her spring cooking classes in California, Julia Child explained that you do not snap off the lower stalks of asparagus. She peeled asparagus from the base to 3 inches from the tip. Trimmed and peeled, asparagus lose less than a third their weight, while those that are snapped lose 50 per cent. And the trimmed asparagus cooks evenly from tip to base. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. With plump tomatoes, bell pepper, romaine and chickpeas, this not-so-classic Greek salad is packed with summer produce. If you don't have the time or inclination to soak and cook dried chickpeas, canned are fine. Be sure to use a good-quality olive oil that smells as lively and vibrant as it tastes. Adapted from The Okanagan Table: The Art of Everyday Cooking by Rod Buttes published by Figure 1. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. When cooked properly, okra is a beautiful, slightly bitter vegetable that holds up exceptionally well to Punjabi spices. Read Raj Thandhi's full recipe here. Fresh ricotta is available at deli counters and gourmet markets, but it's so simple to make that you should try it at least once. A quick online search will yield your choice of recipes and instructional videos. Pomegranate molasses is available in Middle Eastern markets. You may substitute equals parts balsamic vinegar and honey. Adapted from Starters, Salads and Sexy Sides by Caren McSherry, Appetite by Random House. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. The egg, bacon and pickle topping adds texture and a hit of flavour. It's easy to make and is a nice change from sauce. Adapted from The Okanagan Table: The Art of Every Day Home Cooking by Rod Butters, Figure. 1. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. Potato salad evokes the essence of summer like nothing else. It serves as the ideal accompaniment to savour alongside hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken, steak and even ribs. This simple yet satisfying dish consists of boiled potatoes, mayo and condiments. Read Karen Gordon's full recipe here. Italian risotto meets Thai jasmine rice with this recipe. Read Maria Fazzari Larosa's full recipe here . This refreshing soup combines the sweet, earthy flavour of peas with the cool, aromatic notes of mint. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. This grilled eggplant Caprese salad is a great spin on the Italian classic, a satisfying appetizer, or a side dish. Read Maria Fazzari Larosa's full recipe here. Featuring seasonal winter squash and a few unexpected mix-ins — hello, pomegranate — this delicious dish is sure to delight. Shared by Executive Chef Behshad Zolnasr of C|Prime in Vancouver, it could be served as a shared starter or a vegetarian-friendly main. Read the full recipe here. Chef Matthew Stowe, executive director of culinary at the JOEY Restaurant Group, takes a restaurant favourite and gives it a fall twist. 'Our JOEY hummus that was inspired by a chef trip to Morocco years ago has become a customer favourite,' Stowe says. 'In this version, I incorporated familiar flavours of fall with butternut squash.' Read the full recipe here. Savour the final flavours of summer with this watermelon salad recipe shared by Chef Justin Cheung, co-owner of the Potluck Hawker Eatery. Read the full recipe here. Studded with sun-dried tomatoes, red onion and olives, this warm take on a picnic favourite elevates potato salad to another level. Pulled from the cookbook More Six O'Clock Solutions from The Vancouver Sun Test Kitchen by Ruth Phelan and Brenda Thompson, the recipe makes for a delicious pairing with a fresh baguette and a crisp glass of white wine. Read the full recipe here. This delicious dish, shared by the team at One Degree Organics, features smooth butternut squash soup topped with a sweet-and-savoury, gluten free oat crumble. Read the full recipe here. This rich, creamy side dish created by Chef Alex Chen of the recently opened Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar in Whistler, is perfect for a potluck dinner or party. Potatoes and butternut squash are paired with a garlicky cream and Gruyere cheese for a dish that's worthy of going back for a second scoop. Read the full recipe here. The rich taste of the most appreciated and well-known Spanish dish, paella, makes it a wonderful dish for company, but it has other virtues too, such as affordability, low in fat, and a variety of ingredients that contain most of the essential nutrients. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. This easy summertime weeknight recipe is perfect for those evenings when it's too warm to spend much time cooking over a hot stove. It's nutty and garlicky with the freshness of sweet basil. The time it takes to boil your pasta is all that's required to whip up this dish. While the pasta is boiling, make the pesto. Toss the pasta and pesto together, plate and serve with a generous piece of burrata. It's rich, creamy and delicious. Read Karen Gordon's full recipe here. Created by Karlene Karst, a B.C.-based nutritionist and author of This Kitchen is for Dancing, this dish is billed as being both 'delicious' and 'healthy.' Featuring a sliced loaf of bread, the savoury recipe packs in vegetables and eggs for a main that could be enjoyed at any time of the day. Read the full recipe here. Today's Greek salad recipe is a far cry from the pathetic pizzeria versions with iceberg lettuce, chunks of green pepper and pale wedges of tomato sparsely dotted with cubes of feta and garnished with a single sad olive. It can be made year-round thanks to top-quality Canadian-greenhouse vegetables. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. Local corn, a summertime staple for many, gets a kick of spice thanks to a touch of jalapeño pepper. Created by Regional Chef Stewart Boyles of Field & Social, the vegan-friendly dish is perfect for pairing with a lunch or dinner entrée — or, enjoy it on its own for a light summertime bite. Read the full recipe here. You won't believe how easy and delicious this Italian chopped salad recipe is. Read Maria Fazzari Larosa's full recipe here. This healthy hummus bowl, submitted by Chef Andrew Robinson, Regional Chef at JRG & Chef Colin Burslem, Culinary Director at JRG, is an easy, at-home summer dish. The vegetable-filled bowl is also on the menu at Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant & Brewpub. Read the full recipe here. Quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and shrimp is hearty and healthy. It's the perfect dish for an easy weeknight dinner. Read Maria Fazzari Larosa's full recipe here. This recipe, originally published in the book More Six O'Clock Solutions from The Vancouver Sun Test Kitchen by Ruth Phelan and Brenda Thompson, is the perfect summer salad or side dish. Studded with veggies such as tomatoes, onion and artichoke hearts, it's a delightful pick for a hot summer evening. Read the full recipe here. This veggie-forward recipe is perfect for plating on a chilly fall evening. Created and shared by the team at Mutti, the recipe subs in pasta or dough for healthy spaghetti squash. Read the full recipe here. Potato salad gets a boost with this recipe shared by Chef Tess Bevernage of Hanai Vancouver. The side dish can be served warm or hot. 'Store in it fridge as it makes for great leftovers.' Read the full recipe here. This recipe, shared by the team at the St. Louis Bar and Grill in Port Coquitlam, subs in cauliflower for the go-to chicken wings. While it skips out on meat, it doesn't skimp on flavour. Serve it as a side at your next family meal or game-day get-together: Read the full recipe here. This hearty recipe bowl, shared by the team at Fable Diner and Bar, proves that you can have a filling, hearty meal that's packed with vegetables and features no meat. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, kale and more come together with a savoury broth and Miso drizzle for a dish that's both delicious and nutritious. Read the full recipe here. Created by vegan chef and cookbook author Priyanka Naik for Our Place, this flavourful dish is inspired by Naik's 'Maharashtrian roots.' While it can be enjoyed any way one pleases, the celebrated chef says it's a dish that is 'meant to be eaten with your hands.' Read the full recipe here. This recipe by Sandy Chen, the chef de cuisine at Archer restaurant, is packed full of vegetables and toasted grains for a warm-and-savoury mix that's perfect for a cold winter's day. Read the full recipe here. Use the best-quality carrots you can find. Their cores can add a bitter taste and unpleasant texture to this delicate soup, so they're removed here. It's an optional step, however; you can try the soup both ways and compare. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. An easy weeknight recipe or add-on to a summer picnic spread. Recipe by Stewart Boyles, regional chef, Field & Social. Read the full recipe here. 'This recipe is a great side mostly because of the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar that candy the sprouts,' Trish Magwood writes. For added richness, sprinkle the Brussels sprouts with a Gorgonzola or your favourite blue cheese just before serving. Read Kasey Wilson's full recipe here. Created by Jenny Hui, executive chef of The Lazy Gourmet, this vegan-friendly recipe is full of vegetables and fibre-packed chickpeas. It's the perfect lunchtime or dinner powerhouse salad — no extra dishes required. Read the full recipe here. Created by James Kennedy, the executive chef of R+D Kitchen By White Spot, this flavourful entrée sees Middle Eastern and North African spices mingle for a 'wonderful warming and balanced meal experience.' Read the full recipe here. • Dinner ideas: A roundup of our favourite main course recipes • Best seafood recipes: A roundup of our favourite seafood dishes • Best dessert recipes: A roundup of our favourite sweet treats • These 18 Vancouver restaurants are Hollywood North favourites • Where to eat pizza in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat sushi in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat breakfast in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat ramen in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat seafood in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat Italian in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat French cuisine in Metro Vancouver? A restaurant review roundup • Where to eat in Metro Vancouver if you deal with allergies • Is it Happy Hour yet? The 10 best places to check out in Metro Vancouver • Cheers: Here are the 10 best restaurants for happy hour in Vancouver
Vancouver Sun
09-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Statistics hint at surge in domestic tourism in B.C. as Canadians avoid U.S. travel
Hotelier Charles McDiarmid saw the first signs of how much business at his Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino was going to change this summer right after U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration, accompanied by tariff threats and warnings he wanted to make Canada the 51st state. Inquiries from across Canada, which usually come a little later in the year, started rolling in to the property from travellers suddenly more interested in staying on this side of the border for vacation in numbers that almost rival the post-COVID-19 boom in 2022. 'It started with a bang,' McDiarmid said. 'We're tracking a very significant surge in travel within Canada with Canadians staying in Canada looking for the quintessential Canadian experience, and I believe we're one of them.' Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. McDiarmid said an exchange rate with the Canadian dollar worth 72 cents to the U.S. dollar is another motivating factor for Canadians to stay home, but 'the No. 1 message' his staff are hearing from customers is that 'we want to support Canada,' instead of taking trips to Las Vegas, California or Oregon. Enough Canadians are abandoning U.S. travel plans for airlines to start paring back services, which has already been evident in passenger numbers at Vancouver International Airport. YVR passenger statistics show that travel on flights to and from U.S. destinations was down six per cent to the end of March, the most recent numbers available, almost 88,000 fewer passengers, bringing the total number to 1.3 million. WestJet on May 6 was the latest to suspend flights to nine U.S. cities including a new Vancouver to Austin route that was to start service in the second week of May but is now on hold until October. Airline spokesman Josh Yeats said the 'downward shift in transborder demand' prompted the suspensions. On the other hand, WestJet has also added new flights within Canada including a direct flight between Vancouver and Halifax to meet demand for domestic travel. The early sign of that domestic demand showed up as a three per cent increase in domestic travel through YVR from January to the end of March, with 73,070 additional passengers bringing the total number to 2.9 million people on flights between Canadian destinations. Travel to Asia Pacific destinations through YVR was also up 14 per cent, some 138,000 passengers for a total of 1.1 million, and nine per cent to Europe, 24,000 additional passengers for a total of 286,000. Yeats said WestJet has also increased frequency on routes between Vancouver and Calgary, Kelowna, Prince George and Comox, as well as Comox to Edmonton. Airline industry expert John Gradek said there will likely be more changes once summer demand shows them where they should use those planes they were using on U.S. routes. 'Within the next couple of weeks you'll probably see more Canadian services show up,' said Gradek, a professor of supply networks and aviation at Montreal's McGill University. 'You'll see new services from the Maritimes non-stop into Vancouver, maybe some more services from Manitoba, Saskatchewan directly into Vancouver.' Gradek added that the big question will be whether or not B.C.'s already busy hospitality sector will be ready to absorb that surge on top of rising international visitor numbers. 'Try to get a hotel in Banff or Kelowna or Kamloops,' Gradek said. 'At the peak of the summer right now is impossible.' From Metro Vancouver's perspective, Royce Chwin, CEO of Destination Vancouver, said the city has become practised at turning over large numbers of visitors, as evidenced by pop superstar Taylor Swift's tour stop last December that 'pushed our limits.' 'We can always use more (hotel) rooms, and we are working on that,' Chwin said. 'But we feel confident enough that we'll be able to look after most of the visitors' that arrive. Chwin said it's too soon to tell how much of a surge in domestic tourism the region will see, but Destination Vancouver knows that it will be coming on top of rising numbers of tourists from the U.S. Visitation from Washington state has been up nine per cent and from California eight per cent. American tourists 'really want to come to Canada, despite everything that's going on,' Chwin said. 'Their bigger concern is, 'Will we be welcomed?' ' McDiarmid echoed Chwin on their typical answer that U.S. visitors are welcome. 'Our elbows are up but our arms are wide open,' McDiarmid said. With files from Bloomberg News depenner@
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Yahoo
What is storm-watching and where should you try it?
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). There's nothing new in feeling awe in the face of nature's grandeur. The Romantics were enraptured by it back in the 19th century. English artist JMW Turner stirred the soul by painting brooding skies of biblical proportions, while philosopher Immanuel Kant explored the sublime — that profound blend of terror and wonder evoked by observing natural phenomena like a raging thunderstorm. However, curated storm-watching tourism didn't really take off until 1996, when the original of cult-classic movie Twister sparked a whirlwind of interest in extreme weather. That same year, the Wickaninnish Inn opened its doors in Tofino, on the rugged western coast of Vancouver Island. Inspired by childhood memories of marvelling at the region's wild winter storms with his family, owner Charles McDiarmid envisioned a sanctuary where visitors could embrace — not escape — Tofino's furious season, when Pacific storms unleash monster waves that tower up to 20ft high. Perched on a bluff facing an uninterrupted ocean expanse (the next landmass is Japan), the inn was designed for full immersion. Every one of its 75 rooms has huge windows built to withstand 100mph winds, while crackling fireplaces and thick wool blankets create a hygge vibe. Guest rooms also come stocked with waterproof gear so adventurous types can brave the conditions, because in Tofino, there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing. It was a bold concept. 'People thought we were crazy to market these wild winter maelstroms as a reason to visit,' Charles admits with a laugh. The gamble paid off. Between November and February in its opening year, the hotel's occupancy rates surged from 30% to 58%. Guests, initially attracted by the novelty, discovered something more profound. 'It's about escaping the city and appreciating how special our natural environment is,' Charles reflects, noting that, regardless of their ages, his guests share a common trait: an adventurous spirit. The success of Wickaninnish Inn sent ripples through Tofino and its neighbouring town, Ucluelet. Embracing the rise of storm-watching tourism, Vancouver Island rallied behind the concept. Hotels including Crystal Cove Beach Resort, Long Beach Lodge Resort, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort and SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort all cater to squall-seekers, with their beachfront locations, surf-friendly waters and luxurious-yet-cosy atmospheres. BC Ferries Vacations also runs tailored storm-watching holiday packages when the weather outside is frightful, including both transport and accommodation at well placed hotels. Meanwhile the Tourism Tofino website highlights the best spots for windswept beach walks, plus a cosy inland sauna to warm up in afterwards. The strategy has proven successful, as the once-quiet fishing villages of Tofino and Ucluelet have evolved into year-round adventure hubs. Between November and March, traditionally considered the off-season for tourism, Tofino's hotel occupancy now consistently ranges from 46% to 58%, a trend that's remained steady for the past six years. Yet, while many islanders welcome storm tourism, safety remains a concern. Liam Ogle, a guide with Long Beach Nature Tours, warns travellers not to underestimate the risks posed by extreme weather, especially in the era of climate change. 'Forest trails can be dangerous with falling branches, and coastal areas pose risks due to storm surges,' he cautions. Before venturing out, he advises checking the Coast Smart website for safety tips. 'Nature here is both intense and beautiful. Respect for Mother Nature is deeply ingrained in the local community.' While Vancouver Island's Wickaninnish Inn may have pioneered storm-lashed travel, hold onto your hats, because its influence has spread around the world. In BC'S capital, Victoria, the tourist board has rebranded harsh winters as 'cosy season', creating suggested itineraries for visitors that incorporate blustery hikes to lighthouses followed by candlelit meals. Also embracing the philosophy that foul weather is subjective, Washington State's Long Beach Peninsula is celebrated as a prime spot to view a king tide — a rare, supersized tide that occurs when the gravitational forces of the moon, sun and Earth align to amplify tidal ranges. Closer to home, and proving that gale-force getaways have stepped into the world of luxury, the five-star Headland Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall, rolls out the red carpet with storm-watching breaks featuring a spa overlooking waves crashing against the rugged cliffs. A third of the hotel's winter guests check in specifically for their storm-watching package. Whether braving high winds on a driftwood-strewn beach in Tofino or witnessing the majestic furore through binoculars from the comfort of a hotel room, it's safe to say a certain kind of traveller is drawn to nature's wildest moments. 'There's a mesmerising contrast between the raw power of a storm and its undeniable beauty — one which is both awe-inspiring and humbling,' states Charles. 'Experiencing such forces first-hand is a stark reminder of nature's immense scale and our own infinitesimal place within it.' Published in the Coastal Collection 2025 by National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
04-05-2025
- National Geographic
What is storm-watching and where should you try it?
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). There's nothing new in feeling awe in the face of nature's grandeur. The Romantics were enraptured by it back in the 19th century. English artist JMW Turner stirred the soul by painting brooding skies of biblical proportions, while philosopher Immanuel Kant explored the sublime — that profound blend of terror and wonder evoked by observing natural phenomena like a raging thunderstorm. However, curated storm-watching tourism didn't really take off until 1996, when the original of cult-classic movie Twister sparked a whirlwind of interest in extreme weather. That same year, the Wickaninnish Inn opened its doors in Tofino, on the rugged western coast of Vancouver Island. Inspired by childhood memories of marvelling at the region's wild winter storms with his family, owner Charles McDiarmid envisioned a sanctuary where visitors could embrace — not escape — Tofino's furious season, when Pacific storms unleash monster waves that tower up to 20ft high. Perched on a bluff facing an uninterrupted ocean expanse (the next landmass is Japan), the inn was designed for full immersion. Every one of its 75 rooms has huge windows built to withstand 100mph winds, while crackling fireplaces and thick wool blankets create a hygge vibe. Guest rooms also come stocked with waterproof gear so adventurous types can brave the conditions, because in Tofino, there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing. It was a bold concept. 'People thought we were crazy to market these wild winter maelstroms as a reason to visit,' Charles admits with a laugh. The gamble paid off. Between November and February in its opening year, the hotel's occupancy rates surged from 30% to 58%. Guests, initially attracted by the novelty, discovered something more profound. 'It's about escaping the city and appreciating how special our natural environment is,' Charles reflects, noting that, regardless of their ages, his guests share a common trait: an adventurous spirit. Whether braving high winds on a driftwood-strewn beach in Tofino or witnessing the majestic furore through binoculars from the comfort of a hotel room, it's safe to say a certain kind of traveller is drawn to nature's wildest moments. Tofino's storm-season boom The success of Wickaninnish Inn sent ripples through Tofino and its neighbouring town, Ucluelet. Embracing the rise of storm-watching tourism, Vancouver Island rallied behind the concept. Hotels including Crystal Cove Beach Resort, Long Beach Lodge Resort, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort and SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort all cater to squall-seekers, with their beachfront locations, surf-friendly waters and luxurious-yet-cosy atmospheres. BC Ferries Vacations also runs tailored storm-watching holiday packages when the weather outside is frightful, including both transport and accommodation at well placed hotels. Meanwhile the Tourism Tofino website highlights the best spots for windswept beach walks, plus a cosy inland sauna to warm up in afterwards. The strategy has proven successful, as the once-quiet fishing villages of Tofino and Ucluelet have evolved into year-round adventure hubs. Between November and March, traditionally considered the off-season for tourism, Tofino's hotel occupancy now consistently ranges from 46% to 58%, a trend that's remained steady for the past six years. Yet, while many islanders welcome storm tourism, safety remains a concern. Liam Ogle, a guide with Long Beach Nature Tours, warns travellers not to underestimate the risks posed by extreme weather, especially in the era of climate change. 'Forest trails can be dangerous with falling branches, and coastal areas pose risks due to storm surges,' he cautions. Before venturing out, he advises checking the Coast Smart website for safety tips. 'Nature here is both intense and beautiful. Respect for Mother Nature is deeply ingrained in the local community.' Guest rooms at Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino come with waterproof gear and huge windows built to withstand 100mph winds. The global appeal of wild weather While Vancouver Island's Wickaninnish Inn may have pioneered storm-lashed travel, hold onto your hats, because its influence has spread around the world. In BC'S capital, Victoria, the tourist board has rebranded harsh winters as 'cosy season', creating suggested itineraries for visitors that incorporate blustery hikes to lighthouses followed by candlelit meals. Also embracing the philosophy that foul weather is subjective, Washington State's Long Beach Peninsula is celebrated as a prime spot to view a king tide — a rare, supersized tide that occurs when the gravitational forces of the moon, sun and Earth align to amplify tidal ranges. Closer to home, and proving that gale-force getaways have stepped into the world of luxury, the five-star Headland Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall, rolls out the red carpet with storm-watching breaks featuring a spa overlooking waves crashing against the rugged cliffs. A third of the hotel's winter guests check in specifically for their storm-watching package. Whether braving high winds on a driftwood-strewn beach in Tofino or witnessing the majestic furore through binoculars from the comfort of a hotel room, it's safe to say a certain kind of traveller is drawn to nature's wildest moments. 'There's a mesmerising contrast between the raw power of a storm and its undeniable beauty — one which is both awe-inspiring and humbling,' states Charles. 'Experiencing such forces first-hand is a stark reminder of nature's immense scale and our own infinitesimal place within it.' Published in the Coastal Collection 2025 by National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
