British Columbia Events

The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival. (05/05/2006 - 05/08/2006) The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival is a perfect marriage of wine and culinary tourism. For the first four days in May each year, it offers a tantalizing experience for anyone who loves fabulous wine accompanied by fine cuisine. Guests can choose an incredible 100 plus events throughout Okanagan Wine Country at a time of year when it is absolutely delightful to savor spring in the warm sunshine. The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival has been described as "one of Canada's best small festivals" and it is no wonder that its success continues to grow. (Okanagan Valley. 1 (250) 861-6654 or www.owfs.com)

Revel in Nature. (05/13/2006-10/29/2006) The natural beauty of Revelstoke is superb, as are the numerous opportunities for visitors to hike, mountain-bike, or camp amidst the rugged expanse of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks. Visitors can fish in freshwater lakes, paddle down fast-flowing rivers or enjoy countless recreation opportunities in the area's three provincial parks. Nearby, the ideal relaxation for body and spirit can be found in the area's three mineral hot springs. Alternatively, check out Craigellachie to see where Donald Smith struck the Last Spike, forging Canada's first transcontinental railway; or head to the Revelstoke Railway Museum. (Revelstoke. www.revelstokecc.bc.ca)

Summer Nights Downtown. (06/26/2006 - 09/04/2006) This summer the nights in Revelstoke will be lit up by performances in Grizzly Plaza, located in Revelstoke's historic downtown. Locals and tourists will mingle, enjoying the cool summer air and the fun live performances; a great way to end the day. (Revelstoke. 1 (250) 837-4262 www.revelstokecc.bc.ca)

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival. (06/1/2006 - 09/24/2006) From open tents in Vanier Park - against a natural backdrop of sea, sky and mountains, visitors may enjoy three of the Bard's performances during the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival. This summer enjoy performances of: A Midsummer's Night Dream, Measure for Measure, The Winter's Tale and Troilus and Cressida. (Vancouver. 1 (604)739-0559 or www.bardonthebeach.org)

The HSBC Celebration of Light. (07/27/2006 - 08/6/2006) Vancouver's annual fireworks competition brings together talented technicians from three countries. These dedicated teams light up the sky over Vancouver's downtown core with amazing pyrotechnics set to the world's most beautiful music. These incredible displays draw crowds of more than 1.5 million over the four-night celebration in July and August. (Vancouver. 1(604)641-1193 or www.celebration-of-light.com)

Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibit. (08/04/20006 - 08/27/2006) For 16 hours, spread over three days, master- and professional-level sand sculptors from around the world battle it out on Parksville's beach. In the end, judges determine who turns their pile of sand--10 tons for soloists and 20 tons for groups--into the most elaborate work. The sculptures remain in place for three weeks. (Parksville. 1(250) 248-8657 or www.parksvillebeachfest.ca)

Okanagan Summer Wine Festival. (08/10/2006 - 08/12/2006) Silver Star Mountain Resort, Vernon, BC is your host for the Annual Okanagan Summer Wine Festival held during the second weekend in August. Come and treat yourself to an intimate weekend of wine education, arts, music and mile high outdoor recreation. The summer wine festival offers unique wine seminars, great evening entertainment, a foot stomping musical outdoor wine tasting and wonderful presentations by local artists. Enjoy gourmet meals, wine education seminars, a unique consumer wine tasting and a wide variety of on-mountain activities. (Okanagan Valley. 1 (250) 861-6654 or www.owfs.com)

26th Annual Okanagan Fall Wine Festival. (09/30/2006 - 10/12/2006) Autumn in Okanagan Wine Country is the perfect time to watch the grapes ripen in the sun and indulge in the harvest celebrations. The Annual Okanagan Fall Wine Festival is an experience for all who love fabulous wine accompanied by great food and unique events. During this festival, experience vineyard tours, lunches, dinner's, education and the fall wine harvest - there is no better way to visit Okanagan Wine Country. For ten days in early October enjoy over 150 events throughout the valley which are focused on wine, food, education and the arts in one of North America's most spectacular settings. (Okanagan Valley. (1 (250) 861-6654 or www.owfs.com)