to head

SATURDAY MORNING
and the Nanaimo Express
eases out of its dock in
Coal Harbor, trundles slow-
ly towards the Lions Gate
Bridge like a floatplane tak-
ing aim, and then the cap-
tain opens the twin throt-
tles.

David
Wishart

TRAVEL

_ in moments the big catamaran
is. cruising at .35 knots and
Nanaimo is just 75 minutes away.

smooth and quiet, and sitting on
the. upper deck is just like business
; class i ina big jet.

Blackcomb Lodge
“669-0560
_1-800-7 77-8146

, © all spacious outside suites
“© maximum 114 guests

* on board lectures

‘Helped by a calm sea, the ride is: .

Both lodges located in Whistler Village proper.
Ski in, ski out, near both lifts.
” RESERVATIONS:

Luxury Cruise — 14 Days
HALF PRICE

Rome to Istanbul
Rome to Barcelona
Barcelona to Copenhagen

® open seating gourmet dinners

Only $3699 CDN
for an. outside SUITE __
(air add on of #1275 CDN + port taxes of *395)

Phone SUZANNE at 926-4344

for the

The vessel has an aeroplane feel
to it, and maybe it’s also the sleek
Scandinavian’ accent inside, al-
though you won’t find large win-
dows and skylights on. aircraft.
Colors are bright, two galleys
deliver a limited but well chosen
selection of food and drinks, and
the staff is well groomed.

t was impressed.

It’s a year since service started
between Vancouver and Victoria,
while the run to Nanaimo was
Jaunched last July. It has become
popular with island commuters,
with about 80 making the round-
trip daily from Nanaimo. (Return
fare is $34.)

The speed and reservations pol-
icy also make it a dandy way ta
get to the island for a quick
break, and although bikes are car-
ried for $3, it is not a car ferry.
The solution is to rent a car or
find a hotel or B & B that will
pick you up at Nanaimo.

The Parksville-Qualicum area,
30 minutes north of Nanaimo, has
a new, promotionally minded
tourism association, and Island
Halt Resort, for example (winter
rates Start at $68 double until May
31), will pick you up with notice.
-,The beach here is long and
wonderful for walks, particularly
as Vancouver visitors enjoy a new
perspective of looking back across
the gulf and to the snow-capped
coast mountains.

Other places to stay include

Mountainside Lodge
681-6710
1-800-7 77-8 135

© flexible shore excursions
© 2:1 crew guest ratio

® picturesque, historical ports
® sailings April — September

erfect th

island

Tigh-na-Mara, which has hand-
some log cabins, some with
whirlpool baths, and a Sunday

See Nearby page 38

Sunday, March 2%, 1993 - North Shore News - 37

SPECIAL CRUISE SALE

10 Day Canada/New England Cruise
on the beautiful Royal Princess
only $1,320 US.
includes FREE airfare fram Vancouver
Ask about our FREE UPGRADE offer.
Space is limited. Call NOW for details!
Over 150 locations in the world.

CALL 984-6122
1325 Marine Drive, N.Van.
{next to Canadian Tire)

wor Ide cla ass C

Introducing a a world-class
Spring Getaway package for for just
$65

Make your reservations now, and an unforgettable

Chateau Whistler experience is yours 1n our specially priced .
Spring getaway package. Including luxurious Premiere Class
accommodations for 60% off our regular rates. Plus your
choice of menu dinners at either of our bo superb restaurants:
The Wild Flower Restaurant or La Fiesta. And unlimited
access to our full service health club.

So spring into action and join us fora

Tie laway.
Offer valid March 28 to April 30, 1993.
Call now, collect, for reservations. (604) 938-2010.

Canadian Pacific &4 Hotels & Resorts

Chateau Whistler Resort

per person.

dining

siimm ing: