Editors Notes: Savour the Splendour

One of my first getaways after settling into the West Coast was a weekend trip to a coastal bed-and-breakfast and winery.

Pemberton Valley Vineyard & Inn, located a 20-minute drive north of Whistler Village, is a deluxe log cabin on seven acres of farmland ripe for growing Foch, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris varietals. The inn’s dining room serves seasonal Editor - Belinda Bruce (Sarah Needley)fare from local artisans, farmers and foragers and each of the B&B’s three suites is named for a different type of wine.

My companion and I chose the Champagne Room, which overlooks the vineyards, hot tub and Mount Currie in the distance, and included a bottle of the vineyard’s own Chardonnay. During the day, we explored the local frontier-looking town of Pemberton and the nearby trails. The journey there and back across the Sea-to-Sky Highway was a treat in itself, marked by fjords, rainforest and stunning mountain vistas. I couldn’t have chosen a better introduction to the food, terroir and lifestyle of southwestern BC.

It is with my own newcomer’s journey in mind that I welcome Coastlines readers to our very first theme issue: Wine, Dine & Recline. In our pages, discover everything wine—where to buy fine BC wines, Vancouver’s best wine bars and wine-touring across the Coast including the renowned Wine Islands. You’ll also find an introduction to some of the finest seafood establishments in the province and to a selection of extraordinary local resorts and hotels that have incorporated spa culture with elegance and innovation.

Another first in this issue is our BC Outdoors column. Here we want to inspire you to get outside by bringing you superlative outdoor adventure experiences from hiking and kayaking to mountain biking and snowboarding. We begin with the BC Bike Race, a seven-day epic event that traverses exceptional Pacific territory. Look for more exciting adventure options in upcoming issues.

British Columbia is famed for its natural beauty, which is reflected in its Latin motto Splendor sine occasu—“Splendour without diminishment.” With spring in full swing, people have begun to populate decks and patios and are venturing out to explore more of the impressive array of West Coast wonders. And with 2008 being a year-long celebration of BC’s 150th birthday, punctuated by numerous events and exhibits, it’s definitely a time to savour the splendour.

Editor - Belinda Bruce