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vacation

Dec14

Holiday Cookie Recipes

Beaches, Blog, British Columbia, Family Activities, Food and drink, Holidays, Vacation Homes, Vancouver Island, Vancouver Island, Winter no responses

Nothing says holidays like over indulging in cookies, or coming home to the smell of freshly baked cookies. Treat yourself this year.. literally!

Our home away from home offer beautiful kitchens that are ready to be baked in, stop by the store for a few ingredients and you are ready to bake. At Breakaway Vacation homes the smell of your freshly baked cookies will linger throughout your stay and bring joy and happiness to your stay. Celebrate the holiday with us this year, we offer houses ranging from sizes at 3 locations including Tanglewood, Qualicum Landing, and Otter Bay – book now and relax later!

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup coarse sugar or granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
¼ cup confectioners’ sugar (for the coating)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup jam, raspberry or strawberry
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1-2 tablespoons almond milk
dice games
Dec26

Indoor Dice Games for Holiday Travel

Blog, Family Activities, Holidays, Winter no responses

Whether you are traveling in December for holiday festivities or just some pre-New Years relaxation, you might be looking for things to do indoors when the temperature drops. Here are 3 easy dice games that you can do with minimal prep (super easy to pack, too).

1. Knock Out

This dice game only requires 2 dice and involves adding up to the number 10, making it great for younger kids to play, too. Each player first chooses their “knockout number” between either 6, 7, 8, or 9. Two players CAN pick the same number.

Decide who goes first by each rolling a die with the person who rolls the highest taking their turn first, second highest goes second, and so on. On their turn, a player must roll two dice. If they land on their chosen “knock out” number, then they are disqualified from rolling until everyone has been knocked out and the next round starts.

Every roll (EXCEPT the knock out number) contributes to the player’s overall score. Players race to a score of 100, or whatever goal your group decides on.

2. Catch Up

This dice game is great for a larger group, as it requires between 4-8 players. You will need 2 dice as well as an assortment of counters, which can be anything from bits of paper to coins, etc. The first player to obtain 3 tokens wins.

Give the dice to the oldest and youngest players (or however else you want to divide it up). Both will roll their dice at the same time and anyone who lands on a 6 must pass their dice to the right. The goal is to be the one person holding both dice. Then, you earn a counter and the process starts again.

Between each dice roll, there is a chant (mainly to give those without the dice something to do), which you can customize to your group. Use an assortment of clapping or knee-slapping to emphasize every other word to make it more exciting. We like to use the “We Will Rock You” chant, changing up the second repetition to announce the dice roll, as such: We will, we will, rock you. We will, we will, ROLL NOW!

3. Run For It

You will need 6 dice to play this and any amount of players is fine, though it tends to work best with 4-5 for time’s sake. Players will take turns rolling all 6 dice and trying to make “straight”, that is: a series of numbers that progress in counting order. For example: 1, 2, 3, and 4 OR 5, 6, and 7.

A “straight” can encompass anywhere from 2 to 6 numbers and each dice in the sequence gives the player 10 points. So 1, 2, 3, 4 would be worth 40 points in total. You can only make ONE straight per roll, so players should pick the one that gives them the most points.

Whoever reaches 500 points wins. You can raise or lower that number depending on how long you want to play.

Bonus: Want something even simpler? Check out these dice games that require only a single die!

Have Fun and Roll Away

Whatever dice games you decide to play, be sure to enjoy the time spent with your loved ones this holiday season. Play games, enjoy the snow, and celebrate the holidays together.

If you need some help booking your next great vacation rental, be sure to reach out to us using our phone number or contact page!

blender soups
Dec18

Easy Blender-Made Soups for Wintertime

Blog, Food and drink, Winter no responses

We always recommend bringing a blender when you travel to one of our vacation properties. That’s because there are so many recipes that can be made with this one simple tool. It’s easy to pack and endlessly diverse, whether you want to make dessert smoothies, creamy blender-made soups, or blended cocktails. An immersion blender is particularly easy to pack and works great for soups of all kinds.

As the weather dips in December, you and your family are probably craving something warm and rich to eat. Blenders are great for whipping together easy soups. Here are a few of our favourites:

1. Easy Carrot Soup

This uber-filling soup makes for a perfect winter dinner. Cut up 2-pounds of carrots and boil them with the other ingredients in full-fat coconut milk and water. After about 10-15 minutes of simmering, the carrots should be tender enough to blend. Poke them with a fork and insure the prongs go through easily before introducing the blender.

Curry paste and onion make up the base of this flavourful dish. Additionally, you can add in some cilantro, toasted almonds, or chile oil.

Get the full recipe here.

2. Tomato Basil Soup with Asiago

This twist on traditional tomato soup is a welcome chilly weather meal. You can use canned tomatoes for the base or boil and peel 3-pounds of fresh tomatoes for an even richer flavour. Though the recipe calls for chicken broth, you may substitute vegetable broth in order to make the recipe suitable for vegetarians.

The grated asiago cheese gives this dish some zest. Save a bit to sprinkle on top of each bowl directly before serving. You can also garnish with croutons if you choose!

Get the full recipe here.

3. Butternut Squash Soup

The most challenging part of this recipe is peeling the squash, removing the seeds, and quartering it all. If you don’t have time for this, you can use frozen or canned squash as a substitute. But fresh always tastes best! You will need 3 cups of squash and 1 peeled, decored, and cubed apple to make up the bulk of the soup.

You will want to saute some onion in butter while the squash and apple are steaming. Then, blend it all up with the rest of the ingredients and voila!

Get the full recipe here.

Stay Warm and Fill Up!

Hot, fresh, and quick blender-made soups are the perfect winter recipe. They are easy to make and can be adjusted to accommodate what you have on hand if you are in a rental suite and away from your kitchen.

Ask us about spring vacation rental bookings now to secure your first choice of luxury cottages before they book up. Or, sign up to our newsletter to watch for special deals. 

Vancouver Island
Jul09

Facts about Vancouver Island

Blog, Vancouver Island no responses

Facts about Vancouver Island

If you are planning to visit, or are already on, Vancouver Island, here are some fun facts to make your stay more interesting and knowledgeable.

Fast Facts

  • Vancouver Island is in the North-Eastern Part of the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Canada.
  • It is part of the Canadian province of British Columbia. 
  • It has been the homeland to many indigenous peoples for thousands of years. 
  • Vancouver Island is the world’s 43rd largest island, Canada’s 11th largest island.
  • Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, the Island’s largest city.
  • It has the world’s largest hockey stick in Duncan.
  • It has the world’s largest totem pole in Victoria, B.C.
  • The Island has an average coldest temperature of -2 degrees Celsius in the winter and an average high of 23 degrees Celsius in the summer. It is considered to have the mildest climate in Canada.
  • Vancouver Island is 3x bigger than the island of Hawaii, 3x smaller than Ireland.

How was the island formed?

The island was formed through a combination of processes, including tectonic plate movement, volcanism, erosion and glaciation. In terms of tectonic plate movement, the island is mostly made up of volcanic and sedimentary rock which was formed offshore on the now disappeared Kula oceanic plate. Around 55 million years ago, a microplate of the Kula Plate subducted below the North American continental margin with great strain. 

The mountains in Vancouver Island have produced a rain shadow so that the west of the island receives more annual rainfall than the east of the Island. The climate is generally mild and despite variations in rainfall this has led to it being a natural temperate forest biome. Along with many fast-flowing rivers these physical factors combine to make the island a fantastic location to explore the natural wonders that these rich ecosystems have to offer. 

Vancouver Island

Interested in Vancouver Island? We have a great selection of accommodations! Check out our Tanglewood Beach Homes & Qualicum Landing Vacation Rentals and contact breakaway@lloydstravel.com or call 1-877-778-6466!

 

Written by Natsumi Matsumoto

Jun11

Cycling on Vancouver Island

Blog, Vancouver Island no responses

Cycling on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is a popular destination for cyclists to explore by bike, and with good reason! With a huge variety of trails long & short, through terrain as varied as mountain trails, sea-side rides, or gentle slow-cycle routes there is truly a path for everyone!

 

The Parksville-Qualicum Beach Links is a 13-kilometer low-traffic road route that connects the City and Town via French Creek. It’s an accessible route and you can’t miss the road signs!

Or if you want a quick ride in Parksville, you can have a 3.56km Bike Ride to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. For more routes, there is a variation of it here: https://www.mapmyride.com/ca/parksville-british-columbia/a-quick-ride-into-the-park-before-the-ra-route-41538324 

 

To enjoy the vineyards by bike just follow the Wine Route markers in the Cowichan Valley. Country roads meander through the valley and past several Vineyards and Cideries, always popular way stations! Please click on the map for more detailed information.

 

 

 

Are you interested in visiting Vancouver Island? Please visit our site to see our great selection of cottages at Tanglewood Beach Homes and Qualicum Landing or call us at 1.877.778.6466.

 

Written by Natsumi Matsumoto

Vancouver Island
May14

Vancouver Island MusicFest 2019

Blog, Vancouver Island no responses

Vancouver Island MusicFest 2019

July 12-14

On Vancouver Island, there are lots of fun events. One of the most exciting summer events is the Vancouver MusicFest, which has been bringing great music to the Island for 25 years. It is produced by the Comox Valley Folk Society, is not-for-profit, and is a largely volunteer driven event. They offer over 200 musical performers on 6 fully programmed stages as well as instructional workshops, yoga sessions, an interactive kidzzone, art displays, a beer and cider tent, top-notch food and craft vendors, on-site camping and a magical riverside venue at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds.

As the venue is situated on a pastoral acreage bordering the forested banks of the Tsolum River, camping here will be a great experience for festival goers and gentle jammers. For more information about camping, please check the link https://www.islandmusicfest.com/fairgrounds/camping/

 

Stages

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One of the magical components of Vancouver Island Music Fest is their spectacular site and the distinct settings for performance areas. Each stage has its own personality and as you move from stage to stage, you feel as though you have entered a new venue. The stages are The Concert Bowl Stage, The Grierson Stage, The Grassy Knoll, The Woodland Stage, The Barn, and The Crossroads. 

 

Friendly to Every Person

To welcome a diverse audience, the Vancouver Island MusicFest family has initiated an important festival and community building project. There are newly made wheelchair access routes to shaded areas and audience members with accessibility challenges who require a care attendant on site are invited to take part in a new “Access Program”. Care attendants (1 per person) will be admitted free of charge at the main festival gate the weekend of the festival. 

Children can also have fun at Vancouver MusicFest. At kizzone, there are supervised craft activities all weekend long, stilt walking, costumes, sprinklers, music, art projects, juggling, story telling, face painting and a kids parade. Interactive workshops are open to kids and their caregivers. Schedules for workshops and performances are detailed in the event program. The Kidzzone runs 10:00 am until 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. 

 

Living Green

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To lessen the significant environmental impact, Vancouver MusicFest has been developing programs such as Fair trade, composting, recycling, total plastic free policies, using bio-degradable alternatives and interactive eco-education activities.

In 2009 Outside Magazine recognized Vancouver Island MusicFest as one of the Top 25 outdoor festivals in North America with a special mention of our Living Green Programs. In partnership with organizations including World Community, Tsolum River Restoration Society, BC Creek Protection Society, Comox Valley Regional District, CUPE, Comox Valley Project Watershed, Living Oceans Society and others, Vancouver Island MusicFest is forging partnerships that will help to ensure a sustainable festival in years to come.

 

Interested in Vancouver Island MusicFest? Why not extend your trip and stay in one of our Vacation Rental Homes?  Contact our Reservation Team at 1-877-778-6466 or email breakaway@lloydstravel.com to find out more.

 

Written by Natsumi Matsumoto

 

Note: Images used in this blog post are from the Vancouver Island MusicFest website.

 

fruit picking okanagan
Apr30

Okanagan Fruit Picking

Blog, Okanagan no responses

The Okanagan:

Blossoms, Harvest Dates & Fruit Picking

 

Blossom & Harvest Date in Kelowna

Kelowna is at its most beautiful during blossom season. The fragrance of the blossoms fill the air, and their soft colours brighten not just the view, but moods too! Visitors come from near and far to catch sight of this natural masterpiece! 

 Let’s check Okanagan Fruit blossom dates:

  • Cherries: Mid-April to Early-May
  • Peaches: Mid-April to Early-May
  • Prunes/Plums: Late-April to Mid-May
  • Apricots: Early-April to Late-April
  • Pears: Late-April to Mid-May
  • Apples: Early-May to Late-May

If you want the best fruit, try to visit during their harvest season!

Let’s check Okanagan Fruit harvest dates:

  • Cherries: Early-July to Early-August
  • Peaches: Late-July to Early-September
  • Prunes/Plums: Mid-August to Mid-September
  • Apricots: Mid-July to Mid-August
  • Pears: Mid-August to Late-September
  • Apples: Mid-August to Late-October

*These charts are approximate dates.

Picking Fruit near Kelowna

The fruit-picking season typically begins at the end of June/beginning of July, with cherries being the first fruit available to pick. The season is finished by the end of October, with apples being the last fruit available. 

U-Pick is the freshest farm-to-table activity that allows visitors to harvest their own produce to enjoy on a picnic, to eat at your vacation rental, or take home with you. The following U-Pick farms are those close to our cottages.

In this orchard, apples are available throughout the year; apricots, cherries, nectarines and peaches are on July to August; pears are on July to August; plums are on August to September; berries depend on the type, and crop.

  • Gambell Farms: call (250) 766-4036 

A Variety of seasonal fruit and vegetables are available for U-pick on this farm.

  • Duggan Farms: call (250) 766-2628 

They have Asparagus, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Peaches, Nectarines, Garlic, Corn, Tomatoes, and Herbs for U-Pick.

fruit picking orchard

 

Planning to visit Kelowna to experience its wonderful fruit paradise? Check out our selection of beautiful cottages and make the most of your trip to the Okanagan!  

 

Written by Natsumi Matsumoto

Running
Apr16

Running Events on Vancouver Island

Blog, British Columbia no responses

Running Events on Vancouver Island

 

If you want to stay active when you are on Vancouver Island, there are tons of run and walk events you can participate in! 

 

Date. 

Name

Distance 

   Run Type                                

Location

5-May

Investors Group Walk For Alzheimer’s

1k, 3k

Charity Walk

Road

Victoria, Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, Courtenay, Port Alberland, BC

11-May

The Cumby

13k, 25k

Trail

Cumberland, BC

12-May

Oceanside Mother’s Day Run

5k, 10k

Road and Trail

Parksville, BC

19-May

Westwood Lake Triathlon

Varies

Triathlon

Nanaimo, BC

7,8-Jun

Cedar Ultra

Unlimited, 10k

Trail, Relay

Cedar, BC

8-Jun

Vancouver Island Trial Running Series-Nanaimo

10k, 17k

Trail

Nanaimo, BC

8-Jun

5k Foam Fest

5k

Obstacle

Nanoose Bay, BC

13-Jul

Vancouver Island Trail Running Series-Transfer Beach

9k, 19k

Trail

Ladysmith, BC

19-Oct

Vancouver Island Trail Running Series-Mt Tzouhalem

7k, 13k

Trail

Duncan, BC

7-Dec

Santa Shuffle

5k

Road Race

Victoria & Nanaimo, BC

 

These runs have their own mottos, and their courses vary from charity to competitive dynamic races; there are even obstacle course races! If you’re not afraid to get a bit messy you should definitely check out the “5k Foam Fest”, which will be held on June 8th, 2019. This race includes a line up of 22 obstacles per course, with wild themes ranging from the Chamber of Foam to the Spider Web Forest. For more information, please visit the Run Vancouver Island Website.

 

Interested in visiting Vancouver Island?  Check out our Tanglewood Beach Homes & Qualicum Landing Vacation Rentals – and you might just find the perfect place for your next vacation! Contact our reservations team by emailing breakaway@lloydstravel.com or call 1-877-778-6466 – we look forward to speaking with you.

 

Written by Natsumi Matsumoto

Jul30

10 Things to do on Pender Island this Summer

Blog, British Columbia no responses

10 Things to do on Pender Island this Summer

Are you going to Pender Island?  We’ve rounded up the best 10 activities for you to take part in – have a look!

Hiking

Hike the short trail to the panoramic lookout from the top of Mt. Norman – the highest point of Pender Island.  Located on South Pender Island, this short ascent will offer you gorgeous views across the Southern Gulf Islands, San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island.

Walking

Take a walk around Roe Lake – a beautiful freshwater lake that sits in the middle of a forest on North Pender Island.  Why not bring a picnic, sit back and enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings?

Disc Golf

For something a little different, try your hand at Disc Golf.  Pender Island Disc Golf Park comprises of 27 holes which take you through the trees and across to Magic Lake. Be competitive and let the games begin!

Cycling

Though you cannot cycle on any of the trails on Pender Island, it is still worthwhile to hire some bikes and take a tour of the Island. Most of the roads are not that busy but be prepared, they are steep! Burn some calories and explore this golden countryside.

Kayaking

No holiday to Pender Island would be complete without getting onto the water.  The best way to explore the local gems is by kayak.  There are many routes, starting from Hope Bay, you can take that make for interesting day trips!  Watch out for orcas – there are regular sightings all through summer!  If you’re new to kayaking, Pender Island Kayak Adventures offers a range of exciting trips – there’s sure to be one that takes your fancy.

Boating

There are numerous private marinas and public wharfs available on Pender Island – no excuse not to take your boat on holiday with you.  Because Pender Island is situated admist the Gulf Islands National Park, you’re going to want to take advantage of your location at sea.  Days on the boat will certainly get you discovering all the local islands.

Exploring

Discover Roesland park on North Pender Island.  Back in the 1920s, Roesland was a resort and so today, the park is littered with old cottages.  Look inside and make up stories about what would have happened here in the past.  This is also a lovely spot to watch for wildlife.

Scuba Diving

Anyone into diving?  We are and we’ve heard that the Pender Islands have some of the best diving in North America. While most dive companies run out of Victoria on Vancouver Island and so it may be difficult to organize a dive trip, there is always the option to charter your own boat. If you’re a seasoned diver then bring your own equipment (and your buddy!) – some locations, such as Tilly Point Caves, are shore dives so are easy access.  Bear in mind that Pender Island’s dive sites are more suited to experienced divers.

Watching Sunsets

Do you love sunsets? Well we’ve got the perfect way for you to watch one on Pender Island. Take a Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard Tour with Pender Island Kayak Adventures.  We guarantee this will be a magical experience even if you’re not into SUP!

Wine Tasting

Finish off your vacation with a wine tasting at Sea Star Vineyard.  The tasting room is open Wednesdays through to Sundays so make sure you pop in and try one of their vintage wines.  This vineyard is in a picturesque location overlooking the ocean, what could be more romantic?

 

Check out our Pender Island Accomodation and make sure to contact us on 1.877.778.6466 or 604.872.5466 to book your next vacation.