Fergie's at Sunwolf in Squamish

One of the reasons we decided to stay at Sunwolf was their restaurant called Fergie's. It's become at go-to place for breakfast and brunch, for locals and visitors alike.

The chef, Jason Nadeau, uses fresh, seasonal and local products in creating a menu that's down-to-earth and delicious.














The restaurant is small. In fact, the overflow, and there is a morning overflow of diners, goes outside, which can get a bit chilly on these frosty mornings. No matter, the food is excellent and the service warm and friendly. The only improvement might be the addition of an espresso machine for those of us craving a proper cup of Joe, but that's a minor quibbling as Galileo coffee is served here.



Open for breakfast and lunch everyday, the menu is what you might expect, heavy on eggs and hash, with a veggie option and fantastic house-smoked lox. The sausages are spicy and delicious. Daily soups and specials appear too.

Fergie's is open to public, not just for those staying at Sunwolf. It is a great little cafe and not to be missed when in Squamish.

Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2015 by Jim Murray.

Sunwolf in Brackendale

Getting out of town at this busy time of year is always a treat. There's something about snow on the ground and fresh mountain air in your lungs to make one forget about the frenetic pace of the holidays in a city.






So, just before Christmas we found ourselves staying at the Sunwolf resort in Brackendale, about 13 km from Squamish.















On the banks of the Cheakamus and Cheekeye rivers, this is a year-round resort offering whitewater rafting, fishing and eagle-viewing float trips. Brackendale is the winter home for thousands of bald eagles and that's another reason for our stay at Sunwolf.

There were a number of rustic riverside cabins available, but we chose the Logger's Shack because it featured a wood-burning stove, which sounded fantastic on a cold winter's night.
















Our bed was located in the loft. The loft provided almost no headroom at all. which was not unlike the loft in number seven at Lakeside Gardens! We understand this kind of place.













The ceiling did not allow one to stand up in the loft; crawling, or slouching into bed, was required. There was only one night table by the bed, with one light, which made reading in bed a wee bit difficult for two people. All that being said, the bed was comfortable and cozy.








When we arrived, the cabin was cool and we went to work building a fire in the small stove. Starting the fire was easy enough, getting it to stay lit, to provide heat, was more difficult. Jeem, regaling us with his experiences in the Paris demonstrations of 1968, suggested using the gasoline tanks we all noticed near the stand of firewood.

Once a proper fire was underway we were toasty-warm all night.










All in all, we had a relaxing and enjoyable stay in the Logger's Shack at Sunwolf. All the staff we met were attentive and friendly; they seem to like working here and our experience was positive indeed.

And... on our way home to Vancouver, we were able to pick up Jeem from the burn unit at the local hospital just in time for his appointment at the police station for further questioning.

Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2015 by Jim Murray.

Galileo Coffee Company in Britannia Beach

On the Sea to Sky Highway, between Vancouver and Squamish, in the town of Britannia Beach, rests an amazing coffee roaster and café known as the Galileo Coffee Company.

The place is not quite wheelchair accessible; "not" being the operative word, though I'm sure friendly folk would always help someone in need of a caffeine fix.








Housed in the Matheson House, which was built in 1905 for the manager of the nearby copper mine, the café offers fine coffees, in-house baking and quick sandwiches for those driving the 99.





Open since 2005, Galileo Coffee Company is a specialty roaster of coffees, including the usual organic varieties. Small batches of coffee are roasted regularly, with a stated desire to bring out the essence and flavour of the beans, and freshness is readily apparent.

Of note, Galileo Coffee Company has teamed up with Howe Sound Brewing in Squamish to create a wonderful coffee ale based on an organic Mexican coffee bean. Mexican Chiapas Coffee Ale is full of coffee flavour and brewed in the Howe Sound tradition of fine ales.







Getting back to the coffee, my espresso was full and rich with a hint of chocolate, while the latte was a wee bit too milky for Jeem's taste.




Santa's Brew coffee, a seasonal blend, had the expected spice notes and a rather pleasant nutty taste. Delightful.

We will be back.

Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2015 by Jim Murray