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Author: Tara Rafferty

Pender
Jan30

5 Winter Activities to Try on Pender Island

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5 Winter Activities to Try on Pender Island

North and South Pender Island are rich with activities, even when covered in snow. Pender Island is a small town community (think: only one gas station and nothing is open 24/7) so you might not be able to count on the usual city amenities to keep you entertained. That makes the island a great place to disconnect and experience nature. Here are just a few ways travelers can do that:

  1. Hike Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Weather conditions permitting, there is plenty to see and do in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. The Reserve hosts the only Mediterranean-type climate in Canada, meaning that winters tend to be mild and wet. Gulf Island National Park is made up of 15 islands and over 30 islets and the area is home to Garry oaks, wild lilies, kelp beds, and Orca whales. You can access the different islands by BC Ferry, private boat, water taxi, or kayak.

  1. Birdwatch Near Your Cabin or at a Park

You might fall asleep to the occasional hoot of an owl during your stay on Pender Island. Many feathered friends roam about in the daytime, too. You may see grebes, murrelets, auklets, loons, hooded mergansers, thrushes, red-breasted nuthatches, and rufous-sided towhees. Be sure to pack a pair of binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens to make the most out of the experience.

  1. Share a Treat at Vanilla Bakery Cafe

Driftwood Shopping Centre is the Island’s quaint answer to a “mall.” The boutiques are small, family-run, and filled with souvenirs bursting with character. Within the shopping centre, you’ll find Vanilla Bakery Cafe, which is the perfect rest stop on a chilly, wet winter day. You’ll be treated to a variety of baked goods for sale, as well as both warm and cold drink options. On the Island for an event? They cater too!

  1. Tour Vern Simpson Fine Art Studio

Have you heard of the famous Gassy Jack statue located in Vancouver’s hip Gastown area? Vern Simpson is the artist who designed and built it for the city. His studio is located on the Island and is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can also call to make an appointment if those times don’t work for you. Stop by and you’ll be treated to a galley of his work.

  1. Pender Island Lantern Festival

Visiting Pender Island over New Years? Prepare to be awe-struck if you can catch the annual Pender Island Lantern Festival during your stay. First hosted in 1999, the festival takes place by Magic Lake and tends to start around 4:30 PM on New Year’s Eve. The Three on the Tree Production Society puts on a multimedia event with paper lanterns, stilt walkers, shadow play, giant puppetry, fire spinning, and a kayak ballet.

Wondering What To Do On Pender Island in the Winter?

Now you know! Just because it’s chilly and damp, doesn’t mean the islands aren’t still full of life and activity. Let Breakaway Vacations help you plan your winter wonderland trip today.

Slowcooker
Jan20

Slowcooker Recipes for Winter Vacation Comfort

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4 Easy Slowcooker Recipes for Wintertime Vacation Comfort

The last thing you want to do on any vacation is spend a ton of time cooking and cleaning. That’s why slowcookers are so perfect. They are an easy set-it-and-leave-it meal that only dirties a single pot. Plus, they can feed plenty of guests if you are hosting a family event.

For winter vacations, like a Christmas get-together or group ski trip, you are going to want most of your meals to be steaming hot. There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of stew on a beautiful snowy winter day. Here are a few easy slowcooker recipes that you can bring with you on your snowy wonderland travels.

  1. Loaded Sweet Potato by the Lean Green Bean

For this recipe, cut the potatoes in half and lay it on a piece of tinfoil. Then, load it with your favorite vegetable, grain, and meat toppings. Add cumin and grated cheese. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. When finished, you can add refrigerated toppings like tomatoes, avocado, salsa, lettuce, sour cream, et cetera, as desired.

Check out the full recipe here: Loaded Sweet Potato.

  1. Slowcooker Steel-Cut Oats by AllRecpies

To make quick and easy steel-cut oats in a slowcooker, just add 2 cups of water, 1 cup of milk, and 1 cup of steel-cut oats. Then, add fruit, butter, or spices as you see fit. This recipe suggests apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and a bit of salt. Cook it for 8 hours (so you will want to start it the evening before) and then you have a ready-to-go warm breakfast.

Check out the full recipe here: Slowcooker Steel-Cut Oats.

  1. Slowcooker Chicken Breast with Gravy by Dinner at the Zoo

Place 6 raw (not frozen) chicken breasts into the slowcooker. The broth is made with olive oil, chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic. You then have the option to cook the meal on low for 4-5 hours or high to 2-3 hours. Once done, you can set the chicken aside and boil the broth with cornstarch and 1/4 cup of cold water for about a minute to make the gravy.

Check out the full recipe here: Slowcooker Chicken Breast.

  1. Hearty Pork Bean Soup by Taste of Home

This full recipe makes about 12 servings so you can half it if you are feeding less people. Soak the beans overnight and rinse them the next day. Then, layer the beans, vegetables, and pork into the slowcooker. Add seasonings, broth, and pale ale. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Shred the pork, add the tomatoes, spinach, and salt, and then cook for another 20 minutes.

Check out the full recipe here: Hearty Pork Bean Soup.

Those are a few simple, fun, and delicious slowcooker recipes for you and your loved ones to enjoy this holiday season. They are perfect for any occasion and sure to bring some holiday cheer.

Check out our cozy cottages here, and don’t forget to pack your slowcooker!

Winter Cocktail
Jan06

Easy DIY Winter Cocktail Recipes

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7 Easy DIY Winter Cocktail Recipes

‘Tis the season for oversized sweaters, plush slippers, fuzzy blankets, and cozy nights at home. Nothing can keep you warm while it snows quite like a hearty winter cocktail. These 7 cocktails are perfect for the cool weather season and super easy to make yourself at home.

  1. The Winter Bramble Cocktail

This wintry-themed cocktail features your choice of gin, Crème de mûre, lemon juice, blackberries to muddle and as garnish, and homemade Cinnamon and Star Anise Syrup that can be mixed in or drizzled on top. Vibrant, bold, and tart, this drink is perfect for warm evenings by the fireplace.

  1. Sex on a Snowbank

This 3-ingredient cocktail is super easy to whip up so long as you have a blender and some ice on hand. You only need Malibu Rum, cream of coconut, and some shredded coconut for the rim. This frothy, ivory drink just screams winter wonderland. Blend the ingredients together and serve in a martini glass for an uber-elegant look.

  1. Chocolatey Winter Cocktail

If you’re a fan of hot cocoa, you’ll love this next winter-themed cocktail. Notes of chocolate, nutmeg, and vanilla will remind you of your favorite wintery baked goods. It’s simple to make, too. Boil milk, half and half cream, sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla extract in a saucer. Turn off the heat and add some cocoa powder. Add vodka.

  1. Winter Sangria

The best part of sangria is that slight modifications can make it perfect for any season. This winter variety has a flavor profile with cranberries, pomegranates, and cinnamon. Typically, sangria is made with red wine but there are white wine varieties, as well. Use fruits that pair well with the wine you are using and make sure it has time to sit and soak up the flavors.

  1. Winter Spiced Negroni

Made with Infused Navy Strength Gin, Campari, Antica Formula, and hot water – this wintertime cocktail is super easy to throw together. Make the infused Gin yourself with your choice of gin, 4 cloves, 2 star anise, 1 liquorice stick, and 1/2 tsp of allspice and let it sit for 24-hours. This spiced drink is rich and warm, perfect for the holidays.

  1. Winter Waltz

Winter Waltz is a twist on the Sazerac containing Angostura Bitter, Rye Whiskey, Amaro Averna, and All Spice Dram. Warm, golden, and savory, this is the perfect snow-day drink. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, fill with ice, and shake vigorously until the shaker gets frosty. Strain into a lightly chilled martini glass and enjoy.

  1. Winter Ginger Recipe

Ginger, apple, and cinnamon are the perfect winter flavor trio. Spicey, sweet, and hearty, this cocktail is sure to keep you warm this snowy season. Start by simmering Ginger Liqueur, apple juice, and hard apple cider. Let the mixture cool before pouring into a brandy sniffer. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Voila.

Hopefully these special seasonal cocktails bring you warmth and comfort as the weather dips. Happy holidays and happy drinking.

Family Vacation
Dec05

Family Vacation Games: Go fish

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Family Vacation Games: Go fish

Go Fish is a fun card game that can be played by even the youngest player. Perfect for a family vacation on Pender Island.

It’s a simple game that shouldn’t take much time, but if you want something more challenging it’s easy to create some variations to the basic rules. Continue reading

Pender Island
Nov28

Chocolate Banana Smoothie for a Sweet Tooth on Pender Island

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Chocolate Banana Smoothie for a Sweet Tooth on Pender Island

The good thing about smoothies is that you can experiment several combinations and try different ingredients. But there will always be the traditional ones, banana and chocolate is a combination that can’t go wrong!

This smoothie is easy to make, and will satisfy your sweet tooth and craving for chocolate during your family vacation on Pender Island. Continue reading

Family Vacation
Nov14

Family Vacation Games: Categories

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Family games are a great way to spend the nights, or days. It can be really fun to gather your family and spend time with your loved ones. It is also an inexpensive and interesting activity for when it’s raining and the kids are restless. Try this game during your next family vacation on Pender Island.

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Family Vacation
Nov07

Family Vacation Games: War

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This is the perfect card game for your family vacation! The only “war” to happen is during the game as the players are busy trying to win each other’s cards.

It’s usually played by kids, who love this simple game that requires no strategy. It can be a long game where the luckiest one will be the winner. Also great for when you want a break and keep your kids busy on your family vacation. Continue reading