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INTERNeX Canada: How was your weekend?

Another week at the office starts today. But before we start, let’s take a look on the awesome weekend we had.

On Saturday we went to the Lynn Canyon Park in North-Vancouver.  We started hiking around 11am in the morning. In this park you can do some nice hikes. We saw waterfalls, bridges, fast flowing rivers, great views and of course the famous suspension bridge.

After a few minutes walking we went down to the river. The water was to cold for swimming, but with our shoes off we could climb to some of the big rocks. From there we took our shoes back on and continued our hike. Minutes later we arrived at the 30 foot pool. This is one of the main attractions of Lynn. It’s is a small canyon with some amazing blue and deep water.

  

Via a lot of stairs we came on a higher point. From there we hiked through the forest to the last thing on our list: the Twinn Falls. This is another waterfall you can visit (from the same river).
At the start point we took some lunch and enjoyed the (dry) weather. After the lunch we took the bus or bike back to our homes! Thanks for coming, we had a fantastic day with all of you!

Yesterday was also a busy day for me. I rented a car for one day to make a small roadtrip. First we went to Whistler, north of Vancouver. On our way we stopped at some awesome waterfalls. From Whistler we drove further north till we arrived at Pemberton. The temperature was amazing: 31 degrees Celsius! There was a small lake where some of us took a swim.

  

After a nice and full day of sightseeing is was time to go home. First we had some dinner in Squamish. After that we drove via the Sea to Sky highway back to (a rainy) Vancouver. I can recommend this trip to everybody; just rent a car and enjoy!

Have a great week,

Jelle

INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: pr@internexcanada.com

Picture of the Week

Hi everyone,

the picture of this week is made during the Rocky-trip that I did with my sister!
During the bus trip trip in the Rocky mountains we were looking for wildlife, such as bears, moose, goats etc..
After a few hours we saw goats crossing  the road! And we were able to make this picture of the goats! During this trip we also saw a few moose!


Did you know?

– That the goats usually live twelve till fifteen years in the mountains, but when they live in the zoo they live approximately sixteen till twenty years! The reason for this is that the animals do not have to work so hard in the zoo. so they save their teeth and can live longer!

– The females can be very competitive and protective when it comes to their space and food sources. the goats fight to one another, and these conflicts can even lead to death! A goat can show a non-aggressive posture to avoid fights.

Do you have interesting stories about mountain goats or other wildlife, feel welcome to write a comment below!

Do you have a great picture, please send it to pr@internexcanada.com. The best picture will be posted as ‘picture of the week’. and you the maker of the picture will win a great price,

Cheers, Lydia

INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200-211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email:pr@internexcanada.com

Last Days to Sign-Up for a Trip to the Rockies with INTERNeX!

If you haven’t been to the Rockies – you haven’t been to Canada! Get the most out of your summer and experience one of the most spectacular places on earth!

Join other travelers on a 4-day (3 night) tour to the heart of the Canadian Rockies and travel through some of the most awe inspiring scenery to be found anywhere in the world! Embark on a journey from Vancouver to Alberta to see towering peaks, frigid glaciers, and stunning lakes. Four days of breath taking scenery will give you memories to last a lifetime. Don’t have a friend? No problem – you’ll meet tons of people on this trip! For only $350.00 (taxes in!), you won’t find a trip like this anywhere else! This trip begins July 30 and ends August 2, 2010.

Whether you’re just out for an incredible sightseeing journey or you want to try your hand at a variety of fun activities, this tour has something to suit every taste.

This Classic Canadian  Rockies Adventure by West Trek includes:

  • The PERFECT MIX of amazing adventures and stunning sightseeing!
  • Three nights hotel – 1 night right in the centre of Banff! ( Price is based on 4 people sharing one room with 2 Queen beds. Upgrades available. )
  • The hotel in Banff is The Mount Royal.  It’s right in the centre of this beautiful mountain village.  Step out the front doors of the hotel and you’re in the heart of the party – only seconds from the ragin’ nightclubs and pubs!
  • Two of the three hotels have indoor pools with water slides and hot tubs.  The fun is just starting when we arrive at our hotels!
  • Free entrance to Banff’s best nightclubs!
  • Learn to Line Dance.
  • All tips and taxes included
  • All park fees
  • Daily guided sightseeing through some of the most incredible scenery in the world!
  • End of tour PARTY at our Partner Camp! Marshmallow roast, songs, a roaring campfire and dozens of new friends. It just doesn’t get any better!
  • Have a great time with your cool Canadian guide.
  • Getting there is half the fun on the deluxe highway coach with games and movies while you make new friends.
  • Hockey tournament in Valemount – Let the games begin as teams face off for a game of ball hockey!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • 3 nights of accommodation in Valemount, Banff  and Golden.
  • LAKE LOUISE.  Visit the most famous lake in Canada and marvel at the unreal colour of the water framed by a stunning mountain backdrop!
  • BANFF.   The most famous, and popular, town in the Canadian Rockies.  Take a boat cruise, soar to mountain peaks on a gondola, or just explore – Banff has so much to offer!
  • MORAINE LAKE.  One of the most stunning lakes you will ever see.  (Seasonal.)
  • The ICEFIELDS PARKWAY.  This highway has often been described as the most beautiful highway in the world and it is a very fitting description!  Glaciers, mountains, and pristine lakes are found all along this amazing stretch of unbelievable road!
  • BOW LAKE.  A beautiful mountain lake not to be missed.
  • PEYTO LAKE.  A stunning jewel hidden out of sight of the highway.  (Seasonal.)
  • THE COLUMBIA ICEFIELDS.  No trip to the Rockies is complete without taking a Snowcoach Ice Explorer tour out on to the glacier.  Definitely a once in a lifetime thrill!
  • ATHABASCA FALLS.  Witness the thundering roar as the Athabasca River drops 23 m through layers of limestone!
  • JASPER.  Visit Banff’s little sister.  Quieter and not as busy as Banff, Jasper is a gem waiting to be discovered.
  • THOMPSON RIVER VIEWPOINT – Great views of the North Thompson River.
  • LAC LE JEUNE PROVINCIAL PARK – We stop for a quick dip in this beautiful mountain lake or you have time to explore the beaches.  A great place for a picnic lunch!
  • MT. ROBSON.  This is the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies and offers stunning views on clear days.
  • SPAHATS FALLS.  One of the most dramatic falls in Western Canada!
  • 5 NATIONAL PARKS, 1 PROVINCIAL PARK, 3 UNESCO World Heritage sights.  These include Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, Glacier National Park, Mt. Revelstoke National Park, and Mt. Robson Provincial Park.
  • HOCKEY NIGHT IN VALEMOUNT – Can you get a more Canadian activity than having a game of pick up hockey surrounded by stunning mountains?!
  • Super Discount at The Paddock  –  This trip includes an awesome menu with The Paddock Bar & Grill in the heart of Banff.  Now THAT’S Canadian!
  • MALIGNE CANYON TREK – Explore this amazing canyon as you cross narrow bridges suspended above the roaring chasm.
  • MOUNT ROYAL HOTEL – A hotel is not a highlight you may say.  Wrong!  This awesome beauty is right in the centre of Banff with our favourite nightclubs and party spots just a few short steps away.  You won’t believe that you are on a budget tour when you check in!
  • AWESOME ACTIVITY PASS – What can we say?  It’s awesome!  This is the BEST deal going and can say that this deal isn’t offered by anyone else!

What you should bring:

  • Swimming suit and towel (hot tub or swimming pool in the hotels + you have 2 chances to go for a swim in a refreshing mountain lake – seasonal)
  • Government photo ID (passport) & Student ID (if applicable)
  • Proof of Medical Insurance
  • Good walking shoes/boots
  • Warm jacket, hat, gloves (you’ll need these on the Ice Explorer Snowcoach tour.

To sign-up for this amazing trip, drop by the INTERNeX Office with your payment of $320.00 (cash only, Canadian dollars).

Last day for registration is Friday, July 23, so sign-up quick before all seats are taken!

TOUR OPTIONS

Make the most of your time in the Rockies by participating in some incredible optional activities.   Some activities are seasonal and not available on all dates.

  • AWESOME ACTIVITY PASS – Book the Ice Explorer Snowcoach Tour + the Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise and West Trekl will give you back $3 PLUS throw in the Banff Gondola for FREE! That’s a savings of $32!
  • The Cruise and Snowcoach normally cost $93. BUT, with the West Trek AWESOME ACTIVITY PASS you get The Big Three (The Ice Explorer Snowcoach Tour + the Banff Gondola + the Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise) all for $90!  (That’s like getting PAID $3 to do the Gondola!) – BEST VALUE – STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!
  • Banff Gondola – Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for incredible 360-degree views.  The gondola climbs 698m (2,292 ft) to the 2,281m (7,486 ft) summit of Sulphur Mountain. Fantastic views of the town of Banff, Mt. Rundle, the Bow Valley, you can even see all the way to Lake Minnewanka on a clear day.  ONLY $29
  • Lake Minnewanka Cruise – Relax on board one of the lake cruisers for a stunning tour on the biggest lake in Banff National Park.  The cruise offers some of the most interesting and spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Canadian Rockies.  ONLY  $44
  • Ice Explorer Snowcoach ride – A customer favourite for the past 10 years, this tour takes you right on to the Athabasca Glacier aboard massive, specially designed Ice Explorers.  You have time to make a snowman, have a snowball fight, fill a water bottle with “glacier fresh” water or just revel in the amazing scenery.  Not to be missed!  ONLY $49
  • Canoeing on the Bow River in Banff or at Lake Louise
  • Relax in the Banff hot springs – a beautiful outdoor pool heated naturally with the hot springs.  $7.50

To sign- up for this ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME trip, please drop by the INTERNeX office with your payment in cash. Please bring your passport and contact information with you. For any further information, please contact Laura at pr@internexcanada.com.

Terms and Conditions:

  • We recommend paying at least 10 days before departure to avoid disappointment
  • The tour is NON-REFUNDABLE within 10 days of departure
  • NO REFUND if you fail to show up at the meeting spot on time.
  • A small bus may be used for smaller groups

INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: pr@internexcanada.com

Top 5 things to do in the Rockies!

If you are working in the Rockies or are planning to go there be sure to check out this top 5 things to do.

  1. Banff Gondola

Take the eight minute gondola ride up to the top op Sulphur Mountain to enjoy a 360° view of Banff and its surrounding peaks, Lake Minnewanka, and the Bow Valley stretching from east to west. At the top of the mountain there are several scenic hiking trails you can do. You can also encounter the local wildlife, including bighorn sheep, squirrels, marmots and many more. For only $25 you can go up and down the mountain. Looking to save a few bucks? You can also hike up the mountain. It’s a 5.5 km strenuous walk that will take you about 2-5 hours but I am willing to bet you enjoy the view so much more when you hiked up the mountain

2.   Sunshine Meadows

The Sunshine Meadows are known as the most stunning alpine setting in the Canadian Rockies. At 2220 m high, the meadows straddle the Continental Divide and the boundary between Alberta and British Columbia. Surrounded by some of the Rockies’ highest peaks, the unobstructed views are beyond compare. Wildlife around in the meadows, and the brilliance of the summer flowers and autumn larches guarantees spectacular scenery on every visit.

Spend your day on top of the world and away from the crowds at Sunshine Meadows. Mt. Assiniboine, “the Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies”, and Banff National Park’s highest peak, can be your backdrop! A network of gentle trails wind their way through the Meadows and offer a range of walking for all abilities; from easy one and two hour strolls, to challenging full day hikes to Quartz Ridge, Healy Pass, or beyond.

3.   Tunnel mountain and Hoodoos

One of Banff national park oldest trails Tunnel Mountain is a still one of the most beautiful walks in the area. It takes about 2-3 hours to hike and it is a 4.3 km (2.7 miles) round trip. It is the smallest peak in the Rockies to be called a mountain. Standing guard around the top of the mountain are hoodoos. People looking to do this track often have two questions:

  • What are hoodoos? They are giant freestanding pillars several meters tall that are made of silt, gravel and rocks cemented together by dissolved limestone. That was the technical answer, to make it so that everyone understands here is a picture.
  • Where is the tunnel? That is the other frequently asked picture. Because the trail is called Tunnel Mountain people are wondering were the tunnel is. Well… there is no tunnel! So why did they call it tunnel mountain? That’s because of a proposal from the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1882. They wanted to blast a half mile tunnel through the hillside, but luckily they quickly decided that this was to expensive and that it would be easier to go around.

4. Lake Minnewanka

It’s the largest lake in Banff National Park at 24 km (15 miles) long and 142 m (466 ft.) deep. Only scuba divers can view the remnants of a small town called Minnewanka Landing, after a dam was built in 1941 causing the lake to rise by 30 m. But you can walk along the lakeside trail or sing up for the interpretive boat tour to learn about the history, native folk lore and geology.

5. Vermillion Lakes

This is the perfect place for a picnic lunch on the dock, with stunning views o Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain.There are three lakes along this road, where bald eagles nest in trees, Canadian geese breed in the marshlands and tundra swans stop by during each spring and fall migration.  A natural hot springs bubbles into

the third lake. You’ll hear the mournful whistle of the Canadian Pacific Rail trains as the cross the tracks at the far side of the lakes, a sound which has echoed through the Bow Valley for more than 100 years.

If you are a big fan of nature and love to go on hikes, the Rockies are the best designation for you.

There is so much to do and see that even if you were to live there your whole life you won’t get to see everything. But this top 5 gives you a start.

Are you in the area at the moment or have been to the Rockies and would like to add an something to our top 5? Let us know by sending an email to pr@internexcanada.com

–          Manouk

Sleep-less in Seattle

So I just came back from a weekend in Seattle and I had an amazing time! I swiped the plastic quite a bit and wracked myself up a nice little bit of debt but it was totally worth it. The shopping in Seattle is well worth the 2 1/2-3 hour drive because there is so much choice for quite a reasonable price. I bought two pairs of gorgeous shoes, some jeans, shorts, and a bunch of tops and definitely got a great deal. For those of you who don’t own a car and might have some difficulties in trying to arrange all the necessary steps towards taking a road trip to the states I think i might have an option for you. One of  our partner companies, West Trek, offers a Budget Shopping/Sightseeing tour in and around Seattle. You have two options:

1) A Budget Shopping Tour which includes; a) round trip school bus transportation, b) 4-5 hours of shopping (duty free too) and c) a friendly Canadian guide

or…2) A Deluxe Shopping or Sightseeing Tour which includes; a) round trip deluxe bus transportation, b) 4-5hrs of shopping with a discounted coupon book or a guided sightseeing tour with discounted attractions

These trips will be offered generally at least one a month so if you are at all interested or would like to find out more information about the trip itinerary itself, prices, etc please do not hesitate to email me at pr@internexcanada.com

For more info on other trips, activities etc offered by INTERNeX contact us at:
INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: pr@internexcanada.com