Travelling with Tanya

Everything you want is on the other side of fear. —George Addair.

Long before I ever heard that inspiring quote, I’ve always tried to push my own personal boundaries of comfort and complacency in order to experience life to its fullest and most fabulous. Saving the extreme sports for true adrenaline junkies, I seek instead to find the unique, the accessible, the tantalizing and the thrilling adventures that can be found around almost every corner—especially those that reflect the unique nature of the location. There are few limitations; I am willing to subject myself to spa treatments and unique dining experiences as well as fast-paced rides and reflective hikes. I will attempt to push through my fears. I will accept any chance to try something new. And I resolve to have fun, no matter what. With a regular crew of fellow adventurers—including family and friends, young and not-so-young—I will be profiling my travels as I take on new challenges and embrace the sometimes pulse-accelerating opportunities that come my way. I hope you’ll follow along, and perhaps even suggest new adventures by e-mailing me.

The long and wining road

When touring the Temecula Valley wineries, it’s important to have a designated driver. Jeff Gardner—master storyteller and Maxx Taxi driver—fit the bill.
An eclectic blend

Almost every year, I make the trek to Prince’s Island Park in the heart of Calgary for four days of delicious food, frenzied dancing at funky side stages, catching up with my college friends in the beer garden and sweet, sweet music.
Bull riding, Disneyland and beating Big Mama

I spent the day riding class 4 rapids through some gorgeous Rocky Mountain scenery. Along the way, I went bull riding, visited Disneyland, hung around with Van Halen and was almost swept off my seat by Big Mama’s surprise.
Tales from the mighty Columbia River

Before the Teck (formerly Cominco) smelter created a city that at one time was the third largest in the province of British Columbia, before the Trail Smoke Eaters hockey team became a force to be reckoned with around the world, even before the First Nations people fished the waters, there were the mountains and the mighty Columbia River.
A blast from the past

If you want to get full value out of a trip through prehistory, take a seven-year-old to the Calgary Zoo.
A howling good time

Ainsworth invited fellow RVwest writer, Kali Love, and myself to an afternoon of dogsledding along the St. Mary River. We’re both dog lovers and adventure junkies and we quickly accepted the offer.
Bring on the bighorns

When Rusty and I were invited to spend a weekend in Radium, courtesy of Bighorn Meadows Resort, we had the chance to slow our own pace a bit.
An autumn afternoon of abundance

The verdant Creston Valley is known for its agricultural abundance. Orchard fruits, cheeses, breads, chocolates—and the famous Kokanee beer at the Columbia Brewery—are all produced here.
This must-sea attraction shore deserves the seal of approval

The Vancouver Aquarium is located in lush Stanley Park, one of the most spectacular urban parks in the world. As soon as you enter the main building, the sounds and smells of the ocean remind you that you are on the edge of the deep blue sea, with all of its mysteries and miracles.
Testing the limits

Tourism Yukon᾿s slogan for Canada’s northern territory is “Larger than life,” and if you’ve ever visited the Yukon, you know it fits.
Hoodoo you love?

Carved by wind, water and time, the hoodoos near Fairmont Hot Springs are a geological wonder.
North and south

From the minute we disembarked, we were treated to a cacophany of people, slots, big screens displaying all the shows and this constant hum of Las Vegas.
Mountain high

I was invited recently to visit one of the most spectacular mountain communities in B.C.—Revelstoke.
A ride through history

Record Ridge Riding offers interpretive trail rides through the historic Rossland mountains
History squared

Three Valley Gap is a monument to its own history
Snow pain, snow gain

Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” In the tradition of government amendments, I would like to add pain and looking foolish to the list of things to fear.
Slipping the surly bonds of earth

I had to screw my courage to the sticking point in order to walk on wires high above the forest floor. I did it and it was exhilarating, and I would recommend the experience to anyone.
From water to wine

Every November, when the frost is in the air, the larches have turned from green to gold and the Rocky Mountain peaks are capped with snow, a migration takes place.
Water world

Kootenay region is an area of profoundly beautiful wilderness. Ecotourism as a whole has taken hold of the area and travellers from the around the world come to the Kootenays for the landscape that stands tall and says, “Look at me! How fabulous am I? Gawk! Marvel! Gape in awe!”
High above it all

When I was offered an opportunity to try the high-level ropes and zip line course at Skytrek Adventure Park near Revelstoke, B.C., my family wouldn't let me give no for an answer.
Seals and serendipity

The morning was cool but calm when my husband Rusty and I met with our guide, Jan Kretz from Adventuress Sea Kayaking Adventures.