Tofino Air's NEW location in Vancouver Harbour

As of May 25th, Tofino Air will have a new home on Vancouver Harbour! Save time and fly in just minutes to the Sunshine Coast or Vancouver Island. Tofino Air’s new location is situated at the new Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre perfect for a city slicker needing an escape, an international guest with a packaged itinerary wanting a truly unique West Coast experience, or a busy executive needing to maximize his or her time and efforts!

The Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island have activities for the young and young at heart. There are a number of outdoor adventures including; kayaking, fishing, hiking or deep sea adventures such as snorkeling, whale watching or scuba diving. Feeling the need to be pampered? Tofino Air can also provide direct service to top resorts including the West Coast Wilderness Lodge, Rockwater Resort & Spa and the Painted Boat direct from downtown. Take in some sun an surf in Tofino! Host of FEAST and O’Neill Cold Water Classic, this town is full of culinary delights, sandy beaches with a full spectrum of activities for those looking for adventure or just to relax.

Tofino Air is excited for both Vancouverites, local and international travelers seeking to escape to BC’s natural wonderland without the need for long and costly travel via ferry or vehicle.  With our deep blue oceans and rugged coastlines, what traveler would pass up the opportunity to see the West Coast how it’s meant to be seen…by air!

Lovin' life in the Harbour!

The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Nanaimo Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo just steps away from Tofino Air’s new base in Nanaimo Harbour.  This charming heritage boutique-style hotel is decorated in a style that blends old world class with modern conveniences to make your stay both comfortable and memorable.

Complimentary wireless internet, incoming faxes, parking, local calls, and no-access fee 1.800 and credit card calls are just some of the features you’ll enjoy.  In-house laundry facilities, complimentary bicycles (2-hour periods) and a fitness centre are also available.  Dining facilities include the Deep Blue restaurant offering panoramic views of the Inner Harbour and the Oasis Lounge & Bar, a cozy environment open for lunch, dinner and drinks.

The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Nanaimo is pleased to offer all Tofino Air passengers 20% off room rates. Simply show your ticket or itinerary for same day arrival and receive 20% off!

Whether a weekend away, business trip or family stay, you’ll enjoy convenience and value with this Fly & Stay option!

FLY TO FEAST WITH TOFINO AIR!

Soar over the rugged coast line of Vancouver Island then land in Tofino Harbour just steps away from all the action of FEAST!, accommodations and popular eateries. Take a sip then a seat at the Food and Wine Festival from May 29th to June 4th. Make it a weekend get-a-way with Tofino Air. Tofino Air flies direct from Vancouver International (YVR) to Tofino in just over an hour.

Distinctly West Coast works with several accommodation providers and services in Tofino so be sure to contact us for more information and planning your stay!

Imagine a winter wonderland...find it at Dakota Ridge

Come explore a true winter wonderland. Dakota Ridge offers 13kms of world class cross country ski trails, (classic and skate) and 8kms of snowshoe trails through old growth forests and fantastic panoramic views of Georgia Strait, Vancouver Island, Vancouver, Howe Sound and the North Shore mountains. See it for yourself on a guided tour with Talaysay Tours. Your tour guides, Candace and Melanie, are experienced and very familiar with the area to provide you with a safe and memorable snowshoe adventure. Tours are suitable for families, couples or individuals with little or no snowshoe experience. Short or longer tours are available for your convenience, please let us know which tour works best for you. Contact us for details – where to start, what to bring and anything else you would like to know! For a comprehensive view of the entire Dakota Ridge Winter Recreational Area trail map including trail designations and available facilities use this link: http://www.sunshinecoastcanada.com/sunshine-coast/Dakota-Ridge-Ski-Trail- Map.pdf

Tours with Candace Campo available by appointment (not available Wednesdays or Fridays)

3.5hr First Nations Interpretive Tour – min 2 people – $99/person

3.5hr Private First Nations Interpretive Tour – 2 people only – $120/person (Transportation, equipment and hot chocolate provided)

Tours with Melanie Cloutier available by appointment

1.5hr sightseeing tour – min 2 people – $79/person 3.5hr sightseeing tour – min 2 people – $89/person (Transportation, equipment and hot chocolate provided)

Ask about our Group Tours and our Snowshoe Tours in North Vancouver. For more information email: info@talaysaytours.com or call 1-800-605-4643.

Charlene SanJenko of CSJ

Charlene SanJenko, creator of CSJ has created A Day of Power PLAY, A Destination Retreat at Cross Trainers Holistic Playground on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of BC on May 27, 2011. This high-end yet casual one-day event provides participants with not only a mini-getaway to the most beautiful place on the West Coast but the tools to move forward in life both personally and professionally. The retreat will include fitness/wellness, business tools, networking, and personal development along with special guest speakers.

Accommodations can include a stay at the Painted Boat Resort and Spa, The Rockwater Resort and Spa or a luxury B&B. Key components of the day can include; Fitness, wellness and recreational activities coached by industry expert Simone Lovell of Eat Play Love Fitness, informative & energizing business-building sessions taught by successful entrepreneurs, fun and effective networking activities; and change techniques, tangible ‘unblocking’ tools and implementable ideas to move you forward – personally & professional – immediately. The evening will end with a dinner and networking session for all participants, location to be announced.

Travel is provided by Tofino Air Lines. Tofino Air provides service from the South Terminal at YVR direct to Sechelt in 20 minutes for a cost of $93.00 one way or $186.00 return OR choose BC Ferries from Horshoe Bay Terminal.

Eat Play Love Fitness

Eat Play Love Fitness is gearing up for its first retreat on the Sunshine Coast at the amazing Painted Boat Resort and Spa. Modelling after the Biggest Loser concept of hard work and tough love, trainer and creator of Eat Play Love Simone Lovell pushes people to their limits and beyond with the reward of being surrounded by forests and ocean at the luxurious Painted Boat Resort. Eat Play Love Fitness includes a cardio workout followed by a nutritional breakfast using a nutritional cookbook by nutritionist and corporate wellness consultant Tara Merko of Tara Merko Fitness. There is an outdoor hike followed by a core and abdominal workout, lunch then yoga with a trained yoga instructor. A healthy dinner is provided with the option of a spa treatment or to simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Be sure to BOOK NOW with DWC as spaces are limited and filling up fast!

3DAY RETREATS

FEB 25-27 *only 3 spots left

MARCH 11-13

MARCH 18-20

MARCH 25-APRIL 1st (7 day retreat)

Make it Memorable! Added Value Option

Fly with Tofino Air for a safe and spectacular scenic flight over the stunning beaches and mountain tops of the Sunshine Coast. Tofino Air will pick you up at the South Terminal at YVR and land at the waters edge in Pender Harbour just steps away from the luxurious Painted Boat Resort and Spa. Flight time is approximately 25 minutes. See the West Coast the way it’s meant to be seen. Call 1-888-436-7776 ext 221 for pricing details.

Introducing Simone Lovell

Another year has passed and it’s time for us to again write out our New Year’s resolutions.  We thought this was the opportune time to announce our latest DWC Partner, Eat Play Love Fitness! We welcome Simone Lovell, and will be working very closely with her to offer you fitness vacations and wellness retreats on the Sunshine Coast.  Ready to hear more? Do you have a New Year’s Resolution? Well, if you’re like most North Americans (88 percent of us), you have at least one. And, if you are like the majority of all these promise-makers, your resolution is probably related to health and fitness.

The good news is as a population we are much more educated about health and fitness than we were a few decades ago. We know that we should be exercising and eating right. Information and education is also so abundant and easier than ever to come by.

So, why is it then that 37% of Canadians are overweight and 24% are obese?

And why are so many of us filled with good intentions for the New Year but find it hard it follow through? Many of us will initiate the process over and over again only to find ourselves 365 days later making the exact same New Year’s resolution.

How can we make this year different and make 2011 our year to achieve ALL of our health and fitness goals!?

Here are 5 tips from Eat Play Love Fitness to ensure that you stick to your health and fitness plans in 2011!

1.  Sign a contract to yourself:

My Commitment to My Health and Fitness:

“I _____________ (my name) hereby commit to a life of being active and healthy eating. I will exercise ________________ times per week. My exercise plan will include ________________ (activities). I will include in my nutrition plan ________________ (specific types of food e.g. veggies/fruit). I will achieve personal health and fitness success by sticking to this plan.

My reason for making this commitment is ____________________________________________________________________________________________”.

Training in a small group = accountability!

Name:

Signature:

Date:

2.  Get a Training Buddy.

• Set up a training schedule with a friend or coworker. This will help you stay consistent. Consistency will lead to success!

3.  Paste a photo of when you looked and felt your best on the fridge, bathroom mirror and your desktop computer.

• This will serve to remind you that you have achieved this before and you can do it again.

4.  Avoid diets. If a diet sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do not keep junk food in the house and skip the chip isle at the grocery store. The best meals are low glycemic and balanced with protein, good carbohydrates and quality fats.

5.  Change up your workouts regularly.

• Change effectively shocks your body into burning more calories and it will also help to relieve boredom. Do this through varying time intervals, different types of exercises and intensity.

Check out eatplaylovefitness.com for more information on how you can make 2011 your health and fitness year! And watch for an announcement regarding our 2011 fitness vacations and wellness retreats.

Lary and a guest has won a two-day adventure tour which includes: a private yoga session with MYOGA in the picturesque town of Gibsons, followed by a First Nations Interpretive Kayak by TALAYSAY TOURS. From Sechelt you will board a TOFINO AIR flight to Nanaimo and enjoy a stay at INN THE ESTUARY which borders 80 acres of a Federal Wildlife Reserve. Next is a day of caving with HORNE LAKE CAVING followed by Snorkeling with the Seals provided by SUNDOWN DIVING.

Lary has until May 15^th, 2011 to use his adventure getaway.

Larry and a guest are going to have a fun-filled, jam-packed, amazing two-day adventure tour which includes: a private yoga session with Myoga in the picturesque town of Gibsons, followed by a First Nations Interpretive Kayak by Talaysay Tours. From Sechelt they will board a Tofino Air flight to Nanaimo and enjoy a stay at Inn the Estuary which borders 80 acres of a Federal Wildlife Reserve. Next is a day of caving with Horne Lake Caving followed by Snorkeling with the Seals provided by  Sundown Diving.

Thank you so much for all of your entries. Keep an eye on our site for our next contest which will be announced soon!