British
Columbia Hosts a Star-Studded Line-up
by Jane Cassie
 Celestial landmarks dazzle the pitch-black
heavens, and the narrator transports us back in time to when the
constellations were first discovered. As we sit comfortable reclined,
he reveals that the stars were of paramount significance to our
ancestors, and that their motions across the sky indicated social
importance. Throughout the forty-minute matinee at Vancouver’s
H.R. MacMillan Planetarium, the sophisticated Zeiss projector
displays an array of astrophysical delights and, in spite of the broad
daylight outdoors, we feel spellbound by the twinkling stars above.
Lamps of Atlantis is just one of the realistic multimedia
presentations at this popular planetarium. Astronomy lovers are also
mesmerized by the Night Of The Martians exhibit, during which a
journey to the red planet examines the changing view of Mars. And
pre-school children are enchanted when the night curtain falls over
the interactive exposition of Little Dippers. As well as offering
Virtual Voyages on a full motion simulator, and dazzling laser light
shows hosting Hip Hop and Pink Floyd, other universal encounters are
provided through the Groundstation Canada Theatre, and a Cosmic
Courtyard that explores space through a variety of audio visual
venues.
 Galaxy
gurus also flock to the on Little Saanich Mountain, just outside
Victoria, where the forty-plus tonne Plaskett telescope performs
optical imaging and spectroscopy (study of the rainbows). Here, they
can check out the universe via their Starlab planetarium, take a
multimedia flight through falling asteroids, or attend a
family-friendly Star Party where meteors and the moon play leading
roles.
Although these sites’ modern day technology provides an exciting
experience for lunar lovers, there’s nothing quite like the real thing
for captivating the true stargazer at heart. Some British Columbia
soft adventure outfitters showcase solar sightings along with their
active tours. Victoria’s
Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Marine Resort offers Crescent Moon
Kayaking Tours. Star-cloaked skies shimmer like Christmas glitter
against the coal-back night, as knowledgeable guides lead paddlers to
an isolated beach. Here, through high-powered telescopes, they are
treated to closer encounters with astral kinds when viewing celestial
wonders like Saturn's rings, Jupiter's Red Spot and the Orion Nebula.
 Pedals
and Paddles in Sechelt, and Sealegs Kayaking in Ladysmith, get
more excited when the full moon casts a golden sheen over still
waters. “Nightime kayaking offers a totally different perspective,”
Sealegs owner, Sheryll Bell, expresses. “It romances the soul, and
offers the perfect opportunity to feel the spirit of nature while
luxuriating in some quality decompression time.”
Bill Elford of
Sea Otter Kayaking on Salt Spring
Island agrees whole-heartedly, and as well as offering stargazing
tours by lunar light, he relies heavily on sunsets. “It’s a great time
to check out the marine and bird life,” Elford claims. “Seals,
porpoise and stoic blue herons are just a few of the live acts that
regularly perform.” This harbour show is accompanied by the moon
rising over Mount Parke on Mayne Island and the sparkle of
phosphorescence provides a living light show.
From the Queen Charlottes, Norm Carsley also boasts a dynamic light
show while successfully bridging culture with his
Langara Island Tours. “We host an awesome moonlight canoe
excursion that provides up to twenty-four passengers with a true taste
of native entertainment,” Carsley prides. “It’s powered by the
strength of aboriginal paddlers and is often accompanied by a dance
from the Northern Lights.”
As well as embracing summer skies, star-filled heavens glisten above
the mounds of winter white fluff, as adrenaline-pumped night-skiers
head for BC’s hills. There are four mountain regions in the province
with top-notch resorts that lure the adventuresome to groomed trails
and sundown attractions.
 Many
have designated ski runs that become ablaze with overhead nightlights
and host torchlight events that receive glowing reviews. For example,
Sun Peaks Resort, near the interior city of Kamloops, serves
an international fondue before the evening ends with a torchlight
ski-out from their summit’s Sunburst Restaurant. Kelowna’s well-known
Big White Resort tops off a ski day with a bonfire grand finale.
Kimberley Alpine Resort in the East Kootenays also offers exhilarating
torch-lit descents, and while the main run is designated for skiers of
intermediate ability or better, the Owl T-bar is a perfect pathway for
little tykes.
For a more daring downhill jaunt, speed lovers hop aboard tubes to fly
over hard pack and bounce off bumps. Whistler Blackcomb’s Magic Chair
and, on Vancouver Island,
Mount Washington’s Ozone Park are just two of the lit slippery
slopes specifically designated for this activity. And although gravity
takes gliders downhill, the lift-activated ascent makes the spinning
and sliding that much more enjoyable.
At a slower pace, snowshoers buckle into webbed soles and waddle over
freshly fallen snow to search the wilderness wonders of
Vancouver’s Cypress and
Seymour Mountains, and the Kootenay Rockies Panorama Resort.
The illumination from their trusty headlamps is augmented by the
star-studded sky, and aside from laborious breathing, the setting is
still, peaceful and serene.
Twilight tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and groomer glides on
snow cats offer alternate ways to check out BC’s glistening winter
terrain. While alluring with their unique qualities, each provides a
taste of unique evening enjoyment. |
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