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Vancouver Celebrates Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals of the Far East, with centuries-old traditions celebrated by Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian and many other East Asians. Interestingly, 2002 is the Year of the Horse and marks the 4,700-year of the Chinese lunar calendar. New Year's festivities begin Sunday, February 17 in downtown Vancouver's Chinatown, where lion dancing, firecrackers and an elaborate noontime parade along Pender Street are sure to mesmerize onlookers. In combination with the New Year's celebrations Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's Classical Chinese Garden is open free to the public all day long. Filled with incense, fruits and flowers, the Garden will feature fortune telling, lucky red packets, live music, and arts and crafts.

But the fun doesn't stop in downtown Vancouver. Visitors to British Columbia have several spots where they can check out the unique tastes and traditions of the Chinese New Year. Still within Vancouver there are three other Asian cultural centers hosting an array of special events, including Victoria Street in South Vancouver, Port Coquitlam to the east and Richmond, which hosts several events at the Yaohan and Aberdeen Centres. Or sail across the Straight of Georgia to the city of Victoria, which is home to the province's oldest Chinatown. In Victoria, visitors can explore the narrow Fan Tan Alley and pass under the Gates of Harmonious Interest, which span Fisgard Street.

Big White Ski Resort and Silver Star Mountain Helicopter Tours
Two Okanagan Valley ski resorts, Big White Ski Resort and Silver Star Mountain Resort, launched an inter-mountain helicopter shuttle service, the first of its kind in Canada. The inter-mountain shuttle rates start at $75Cad per person one way based on six passengers and takes some 20 minutes, allowing for a full day of skiing at the second mountain. Also featured are short scenic mountain tours of either Big White or Silver Star for just $49.95 per person, based on four people - it's a great way to get a bird's eye view of the mountain's downhill runs before actually hitting the slopes. Or if you prefer to enjoy the culinary expertise in the Okanagan, try a helicopter ride over to the popular Mission Hill Winery in Kelowna, where guests can indulge in a glass of award-winning ice-wine as a sweet end to a mountain adventure.

http://www.bigwhite.com/

Kicking Horse Resort's New Top of Mountain Suites
Two private, ultra-exclusive suites have been added to the upper level of Canada's highest restaurant, Eagle's Eye, at 7,700 feet. When guests of Eagle's Eye Suites arrive at the resort they are whisked to their mountaintop getaway in luxury on one of the Golden Eagle Express VIP gondola cabins, complete with leather interior, a premium sound system and wine well.  A warm fleece blanket and bottle of champagne welcomes guests and encourages them to cuddle up and watch the sun dip below the mountain peaks.

At daybreak guests of Eagle's Eye Suites are the first to experience the sunrise over the Rockies. After fueling up with breakfast, they are guaranteed first tracks down the mountain to experience the champagne powder the area is renowned for.  A 24-hour certified personal concierge is available to coordinate other activities including heli-skiing, ice climbing, dog sledding, snowmobiling and cross country skiing. The suites feature handsomely appointed interiors, private balconies, soaker tubs and will be packaged with VIP gondola service, 24-hour valet service, personalized dining menus as well as guaranteed first tracks down the mountain in the morning.

http://www.kickinghorseresort.com/

Edited by Karen Devine

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