north shore news 2 “= NSE Se Tri EXPLORE isolated Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, one of the richest biological and cultural areas in North America. In the springtime over 200,000 pairs of murrelets nest in burrows in the ground of the old-growth forests. Ir. May the chicks hatch and join their parents on the open ocean. During the trip visir a nesting research site to see and learn about these remarkable nocturnal birds. Dr. Rob Butler of the Canadian Wildlife Service will be the onboard resource person. A well-known ornithologist and author, he has led many trips in the Queen Charlottes. Butler was recently given an “Outstanding Alumni Award” by Simon Fraser University for his contributions to conservation, educa- tion and research. The Haida village of Ninstints (Skan Gwaii) on the exposed _#7 TRAVEL p planned to Charlottes west coast is designated as a United Nations We orld Heritage Site “of importance to the history of mankind.” Here fine examples of original totem poles still stand, the exceptional carving skill of their creators in evidence. Isolated off the west coast of the B.C. mainland, the Queen Charlotte Islands harbour an amazing array of plants and ani- mals not found anywhere else, such as the largest species of black bear in the world. Forest floors are deeply carpeted with hundreds of species of mosses and ferns amid old-growth forests of sitka spruce, western hemlock, red and yellow cedar. This vear marks Bluewater Adventures 25th anniversary in the travel business. They will be sailing to the Queen Charlotte Islands May 16-24 (with other departure dates available) aboard the Island Roamer. For more information contact their North Vancouver office at 980-3800. You can also access their website at Windsor Hotel elegantly restored “] just ate here and the food was fabulous.” Moments later we saw the woman serving a salad. She worked there. Not everyone was as cute. Our taxi driver could not find the Windsor Hotel, which is like getting in a cab at Granville and Broadway and not being able to find the Hotel Vancouver. He was just off the boar. The Windsor is a joy, the same vintage as Raffles in Singapore and Paris’s Ritz. It had been scrupulously restored, from spacious bed- From page VW brimming with restaurants and wine bars, and a pleasant place to go for lunch when there is often street entertain- ment, but for affordable character I liked Brunswick Strect, not unlike Vancouver’s Commercial Drive. by mother city centre area, ygon Street, has a string of Te ian restaurants that do a hectic outdoor nighttime trade. A couple inspecting menus was teld by a woman, gave the forecast temperature and suggested clothing, such as “23, light jumper and jeans.” Not until the mercury hir 25 did the paper advise “shorts and t-shirt.” rooms to the elegant dining room. No faded elegance here! There are some wonderful touches, such as the old ele- vators converted into phone booths. Service was faultless, starting with che concierge who soon had us on the tree tram that runs around the city. First stop was Global Gossip to check e-mail. Melbourne may be old but it isn’t out of touch, T was amused that the city paper, the Age, ran a daily weather feature in vhich it You've aiways wanted to see the world now it seems ail the world’s looking at you. Canada 3000 flics trom Vancouver to Sydney via Honolulu and Fiji. Sropovers and hotel packages are avail- able. There are also flights to Auckland via Honolulu and the Cook Islands. For our drive we booked motels through Goway Travel, which has offices in Canada and Australia. The most innevative car in the world. The 19899 BMW 740iL. Electrifying to drive, delightful to own. The 1699 BMW 740iL offers a masterful array of innovative features and award winning performance. Now for a limited time only Brian Jesse! BMW is offering a special lease rate of 1.5% Brian Jessel 688 Lougheed Highway, Coquitiam 936-8595 To!l free: 1-800-665-3375 DL#8137 The Vitimate Driving Experience.” This 1.5% Lease Rate is availabie on 1999 740iL Models. The rate is available on 24 and ‘136 month leases through BMW Financial Services on approved credit. This offer may not be combined with any other offer. Limited time offer on in stock 1999 BMW 740i/L. Sea :1 Brian Jessel for details. “BMW” and the BMW logo are trademarks of BMW AG, used under licence by BMW Canada Inc. 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