British Columbia, one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada is also home to a monster. Locals jokingly refer to the beast as Ogopogo, but the natives have known the creature as Naiaka for hundreds of years. Ogopogo makes his home in Lake Okanagan. This scenic lake located in the heart of British Columbia is both deep and wide. It covers an area of nearly 350 square km. It is here that, Ogopogo has been sighted swimming by hundreds of people throughout the years.

The very first sightings of the monster in the lake came from the local natives. They have been seeing a creature in the lake for perhaps hundreds of years. According to their legends, a long time ago a man became possessed by evil spirits and in his rage and delirium, he came across an old and much respected man by the name of Kan-he-kan. In his rage, the demon controlled-man killed Kan-he-kan. To pay for his sins the gods transformed him into a lake monster, so that he would live forever in the lake to suffer and atone for the crimes he had committed.

Natives first named the creature in the lake Naiaka or N’ha-ha-itq. Translated, this name literally means sacred creature of the water or lake demon. To appease the creature, natives who had to cross the lake would bring an offering, which they would throw, into the water. They believed that if an offering was not given, the beast would rise and kill again.

Ogopogo did not receive much attention until he was sighted by Mrs. Allison in the 1870′s. She saw a strange creature swimming in the lake while she was on the shore. Since that time, there have been hundreds of sightings of this mysterious monster. People who have seen the creature described him as being long and serpent like with a horse like head. The length of the monster varies between 50 and 100 feet and the color varies between grey and blue.

One of the strangest sightings occurred in 1926 when more than 26 cars filled with people all related seeing the same thing. The witnesses were all at Mission Beach. Another strange account tells the tale of a man trying to cross the lake with two horses. The man was slowly making his way across the lake when something began to pull his horses under the water. He struggled to get to shore with his horses, but was forced to cut the ropes between him and the animals as they were dragged under. The two horses never made it to shore, and no traces were found.

There have been many theories surrounding the monster. One theory suggests that he is a brachiosaurus, which is a type of prehistoric whale. Another, theory suggests that people have only misinterpreted what they have seen. Skeptics, claim that what these people saw was actually floating logs, other common lake animals, or debris on the surface of the lake. It has even been suggested that Ogopogo might be a type of large fish, perhaps a sturgeon. Whatever the case Ogopogo remains as elusive as the Loch Ness Monster. If however, you are like many others who believe in the legend of Ogopogo, do not try to chase or hunt this monster. The government of B.C. passed a law in 1989, stating that it is illegal to harm, capture, kill or disturb him in any way.

If you want to see the monster be quiet, careful, pack your camera and remember that if you do try to cross the lake, bring an offering…

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Canada is the perfect place to visit for an outdoors adventure – and one destination in particular that could be ideal is British Columbia.

The province is home to a wide variety of terrain, whether you’re looking to go hiking up a mountain, try your hand at windsurfing, take to the hills on a mountain bike or explore some age-old rainforests.

It also harbours some fascinating towns and cities that offer the perfect base from which to visit some of British Columbia’s less populated areas on a Canada holiday.

As a result, the key theme of any outdoors escape to British Columbia has to be diversity – there are few other places where you can go skiing, play golf and indulge in some sailing in a single day before attempting even more activities on the morrow.

One of the best places to begin on a British Columbia outdoors adventure has to be the province’s capital, Victoria.

The city is located on Vancouver Island, which offers much to see and do for those who love wildlife, nature and outdoor pursuits, so it could be an ideal place to stay while you investigate these attractions.

Victoria itself is a charming place to visit thanks to its historic buildings, gorgeous gardens, planetarium and museums.

But if you choose to head out of the city, much more awaits on Vancouver Island, including lots of opportunities to go whale-watching and the chance to spot sea lions, puffins and grizzly bears, among other creatures.

Back on the mainland, Vancouver is a must-see when it comes to Canada holidays. The city offers the perfect mix of urban entertainment and outdoors activities as a result of its favourable location – it’s surrounded by water on three sides and is situated next to a mountain range.

Highlights include a trip to Gastown, a historical district filled with cobbled streets and quaint stores, as well as the opportunity to visit attractions such as the ski town of Whistler and Grouse Mountain, both of which lie within easy reach of north Vancouver.

Elsewhere, Prince George in northern British Columbia could be the ideal destination if you want to try some fantastic hiking trails, golf and fishing against the backdrop of an immense spruce forest.

The destination is also home to an observatory, where you can gaze at the stars with one of the largest telescopes in Canada, as well as several smaller ones.

Another potential stop to list on a Canada holiday itinerary is Prince Rupert, which can be found on Kaien Island off the northern British Columbia coast.

Here, you will find that animals appear to outnumber humans, making for a great break for those who really do want to get away from it all!

You’ll be able to see bears, eagles, whales and more besides – and that’s in addition to the tame deer that can be found wandering the streets of certain Prince Rupert neighbourhoods.

The only grizzly bear sanctuary in Canada and some particularly old areas of rainforest can also be found in Prince Rupert, so be sure to check these sights out if you do visit this part of British Columbia.

If you want to experience British Columbia at its best during the summer, why not head to Thompson Okanagan?

The fertile grasslands here have given rise to numerous orchards and vineyards, while the terrain changes into forest and even desert the further you trek.

Meanwhile, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast could be ideal for lakeside camping – the area boasts the opportunity to follow the Gold Rush Trail as well as indulge in boating, swimming, fishing and kayaking against the backdrop of several sparkling lakes.

Lastly, the Kootenay Rockies could be the perfect destination to visit for holidaymakers wanting to get active with a spot of whitewater rafting, skiing, snowboarding, windsurfing, mountain biking or canoeing and for wildlife lovers looking to catch a glimpse of a wide range of creatures.

These include bighorn sheep, coyotes, moose, cougar, black and grizzly bears, eagles, elk and mule deer.

There is much potential for creating the ideal outdoors adventure on a British Columbia getaway – as well as this combination of destinations in the province, you could head further afield and turn your Canada holiday into a proper tour of the country’s best areas of wilderness.

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For the active holiday-maker, choose western Canada as a place to settle yourself for a summer of fun. BC summer activities take you on the water or out onto rock bluffs. Take a golf club or a wine glass in your hand. You are sure to find something to enjoy about this beautiful province.

Not only do people love BC, returning again and again, but whales love the province too. Take a guided tour or just hop on a ferry heading for Vancouver Island and keep looking. You have a good chance of spotting a pod of Orcas, especially from locations like Tofino, Victoria or Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island, or Prince Rupert in Northern Canada. Bear watching makes for a popular pastime too, just be sure to know your bear safety rules. Most of the time bears take no interest in humans. Watch out your window while driving east along the Trans Canada Highway. Prime spotting points include the area from Golden to the Alberta border.

For those who want to get closer to the water, the lakes and coastal waters of the province are ideal for kayakers. Tour the many islands between the mainland and Vancouver Island, putting in at inlets and little bays rarely reached by other tourists. Paddle the lakes inland at Wells Grey Provincial Park, Clearwater, or Shuswap Lake at Salmon Arm.

Festivals draw visitors from all over the world to this vast province, including wine festivals. During the month of August head to Silver Star Mountain Resort near Vernon for the Okanagan Summer Wine Festival to learn about and taste numerous wines. Combine wine with golf, perhaps trying The Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna for eighteen holes on a championship course. Various communities host a festival for children to celebrate Canada Day on July first. These festivals often include music and draw well-known performers, feature information and safety booths. Buy a hot dog and get your face painted red and white.

Canadian history may not seem to go a long way back, but places such as RJ Haney House in Salmon Arm and Three Valley Gap near Revelstoke make the most of the early days. View restored buildings set-up to recreate nineteenth-century towns. These might have housed railway labourers, gold-panners, or immigrants looking for a new way of life through farming.

BC history goes much farther back than a couple of hundred years when viewed through the eyes of its indigenous people. Explore their early lives and the impact of European settlement at Royal BC Museum in Victoria. Fort Langley, about an hour from Vancouver, takes you back in to a time when people traded animal hides for iron pots or blankets.

Thrill seekers might want to make a few exciting memories for themselves with water sports. River Rafting gives them the perfect opportunity, especially in early summer when the spring run-off has not yet run out of steam. Get very wet, even flipped over, or take a break for a short interpretation of the flora and fauna you ride between at Adams River or inside the desert canyon of the Thompson River.

Follow a day of rock climbing on the Skaha bluffs near Penticton with a more relaxing escape. All skill levels can take part at the bluffs by climbing the up to 250 foot cliffs or merely hiking for a good view. Relax at a Penticton restaurant over some beautifully prepared local food.

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Vancouver forward Raffi Torres finished off a broken play with just 18.5 seconds left in the game to give the Canucks a 1-0 win and a 1-0 lead On a play that was close to off-side as time was running out, Torres broke in on a 2-on-1and  took a pass from Jannik Hansen and beat Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas on the stick side. His third goal of the playoffs brought a tremendous roar from the crowd at Rogers Arena.

It was a spectacular finish to a sometimes mean opener that saw bodies flying. The Bruins and the Canucks carried on the momentum of this marvellous post-season with a game that had some bite to it – literally.

The first controversy of the final came as Canucks winger Alex Burrows appeared to bite the right index finger of Boston forward Patrice Bergeron during a scrum as time expired at the end of the first period. Bergeron was pushing his gloved hand in Burrows’ face when it looked like Burrows chomped down on the finger.

Burrows could face some supplemental discipline. The Canucks also have concern when it comes to defenceman Dan Hamuis, who played in their top pair, after he left the game and did not return after suffering what looked to be a leg injury. He was hurt when he delivered a spectacular hip check on big Bruins forward Milan Lucic, which saw him go up and over and get tangled up with Hamuis. It was one of a number of big hits.

Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said Hamuis was day-to-day, but with two days between Games 1 and 2, the Canucks will benefit from the extra rest.

The two goaltenders played up to their status as finalists for the Vezina Trophy with Thomas making the harder stops, including a trio of great saves early in the third period to keep the game scoreless. Canuck goaltender Roberto Luongo made 36 saves and opened a series with a shutout for the third time these playoffs. Thomas ended the night with 33 saves.

The Bruins were blanked on the power play again, going 0-for-6 and are now 5-for-67 in the playoffs.

Now we have to hope the series can feed off the energy and emotion of Game 1. It has been 18 years since a Canadian team won the cup but if history repeats itself, Vancouver could be looking good. After both Montreal and Calgary hosted the Olympic games, the following year their teams brought home the Stanley Cup.

Game two of the best-of-seven series will be played Saturday at Rogers Arena.

Okanagan is a great family vacation spot. Great sunshine and fabulous Okanagan events make for a memorable family vacation. Near Okanagan, in Kelowna, there are many public art works to visit. Many of the works tell the story of the mythical Lake Serpent, Ogopogo. Large murals depicting the beauty of Lake Country and the area’s history can be viewed by taking a guided walking tour. Between Kelowna and Vernon is an amazing art walk which features local artists from around Lake Country.

In June Vernon hosts a Creative Chaos Fair that is one of Canada’s largest craft sales. With over 200 vendors, a food fair, and other fun activities this event is sure to be a family hit. The Greater Vernon Dragon Boat Race and Festival is a fun three day event in July. Held at Kalamalka Beach, the Festival offers great scenery and fun activities. Dragon boat teams from Okanagan compete in different boating events. Entertainment, food, and artisan vendors are all found at the Dragon Boat Race and Festival.

Penticton has many fun Festivals during the summertime. The Beach Blanket Festival runs for three days in July. Find a relaxing spot on the beach and enjoy a Canadian film on a full-sized, off-shore screen. The Peachfest and Penticton Peach Festival run in August and have many events and activities for all ages. Since 1947 the Peachfest has featured live entertainment, vendors, art and crafts and hosts two parades. The Penticton Peach Festival provides free entertainment for the whole family.

Okanagan has a plentiful events agenda. The great parkland scenery of Okanagan adds to the splendor of the events and festivals. Okanagan has many summer events that are sure to please everyone.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billings_Farnsworth

Alex Burrows got the Canucks on the board at 8:02 of the first.  Daniel Sedin sent a pass between the legs pass to brother Henrik, who tipped it to a waiting Burrows in front of the net.

Midway through the second period, Ryan Kesler headed to the Canuck’s dressing room favouring his left leg.  Seconds later, Patrick Marleau deflected a shot off Kevin Bieksa’s hand, to tie the game.  Kesler later returned to the ice, but did not appear to be skating well.

San Jose took the lead twenty-four seconds into period 3 with a 2-on-1 situation.  Coming out of the net, Luongo missed in his attempt to make a diving swipe at the puck, and gave  Devin Setoguchi a wide open net to shoot at.

With 14 seconds left in regulation, Kesler deflected the puck into the net and forced overtime.

The first overtime period ended with the teams still tied.

About ten minutes into the second overtime period, one of the strangest goals in Cup history began with Mason Raymond firing the puck off the right wing boards in an attempt to send it around the back of the net.  Instead it quickly bounced back towards Kevin Bieksa the blue line.  Players on both sides were confused as they turned and moved towards the back of the net.  Bieksa, sent a weak shot at Antti Niemi who was facing the wrong way, made no attempt to stop it.

“It was an ugly one, but one I will take” Bieksa said.

As the red light went on and confetti fell to the ice, officials discussed the goal, but could find nothing illegal in the play.

Interestingly enough, the last time the Canucks succeeded in getting to the finals, they did it on May 24th, in double overtime.

Captain Henrik Sedin raised his arms and cheered as he accepted the Campbell Conference trophy, but did not touch the cup.  When previous captains raised the cup, the final series ended in defeat.  Fearing a possible jinx, the cup was ‘hands-off’.

Three stars:  Roberto Luongo, Kevin Bieksa, Joe Thornton

The Canucks will play the winner of the Eastern Conference final between Boston and Tampa Bay.

Alex Burrows got the Canucks on the board at 8:02 of the first.  Daniel Sedin sent a pass between the legs pass to brother Henrik, who tipped it to a waiting Burrows in front of the net.

Midway through the second period, Ryan Kesler headed to the Canuck’s dressing room favouring his left leg.  Seconds later, Patrick Marleau deflected a shot off Kevin Bieksa’s hand, to tie the game.  Kesler later returned to the ice, but did not appear to be skating well.

San Jose took the lead twenty-four seconds into period 3 with a 2-on-1 situation.  Coming out of the net, Luongo missed in his attempt to make a diving swipe at the puck, and gave  Devin Setoguchi a wide open net to shoot at.

With 14 seconds left in regulation, Kesler deflected the puck into the net and forced overtime.

The first overtime period ended with the teams still tied.

About ten minutes into the second overtime period, one of the strangest goals in Cup history began with Mason Raymond firing the puck off the right wing boards in an attempt to send it around the back of the net.  Instead it quickly bounced back towards Kevin Bieksa the blue line.  Players on both sides were confused as they turned and moved towards the back of the net.  Bieksa, sent a weak shot at Antti Niemi who was facing the wrong way, made no attempt to stop it.

“It was an ugly one, but one I will take” Bieksa said.

As the red light went on and confetti fell to the ice, officials discussed the goal, but could find nothing illegal in the play.

Interestingly enough, the last time the Canucks succeeded in getting to the finals, they did it on May 24th, in double overtime.

Captain Henrik Sedin raised his arms and cheered as he accepted the Campbell Conference trophy, but did not touch the cup.  When previous captains raised the cup, the final series ended in defeat.  Fearing a possible jinx, the cup was ‘hands-off’.

Three stars:  Roberto Luongo, Kevin Bieksa, Joe Thornton

The Canucks will play the winner of the Eastern Conference final between Boston and Tampa Bay.

Scoreless during the first period, the Canucks gave San Jose three separate power plays beginning at the 26 second mark of the game.  A penalty on Raffi Torres gave the Sharks a fourth power play to start the second period.

The floodgates opened about midway through the second as Vancouver got their first power play.  Dan Heatley was in the box for high-sticking when Torrey Mitchell got a hooking call giving the Canucks a 5-on-3.  Ten seconds later a one timer by Ryan Kesler found its way to the back of the net.

Less than a minute and a half later, San Jose was caught with too many men on the ice, giving Vancouver their second 5-on-3 advantage.  Sixteen seconds later, Henrik Sedin passed to Sami Salo who was just inside the blue line.  Salo blasted the puck past Shark goalie Annti Niemi for Vancouver’s second goal.

After the faceoff, Shark defenseman Douglas Murray was given a delay of game call for sending the puck over the glass.  Shark fans were stunned when 10 seconds later, Salo fired a shot past Niemi from between the circles, to the Canucks up by three.

Vancouver protected their lead through much of the third period.  Henrik Sedin set up Alex Burrows who tapped the puck through goalie Niemi’s legs.  Sedin also assisted on the previous three goals, setting a franchise record for assists in a game.

“When you give Henrik that much open time, he’s going to find a way to make plays,” said Burrows.  “We have great shooters on that power play and it’s nice to see them.  He’s a magical player the way he’s able to hold on to that puck and make plays.”

San Jose wouldn’t go down without a fight though.  Andrew Desjardins and Ryan Clowe both scored, putting the Sharks within 2 of tying.  Joe Thornton took a wicked hit from Torres midway through the third and did not return to the game.  His status for Game 5 is unknown.

The Sharks outshot the Canucks 35-13.

Three star selection:  Henrick Sedin, Sami Salo, Daniel Sedin.

Game 5 of the series is set for Tuesday at 6pm in Vancouver, where the Cauncks hope to clinch the series.

San Jose took advantage of a couple of early power plays. Maxim Lapierre got two minutes for roughing when his feet left the ice during a check to Ian White.  Joe Thornton sent a perfect pass from behind the net, and Patrick Marleau poked the puck through Roberto Luongo’s pads, getting San Jose off to a good start.

With Christian Ehrhoff serving a four minute double-minor for high-sticking Torrey Mitchell in the face, Ryane Clowe deflected a Dan Boyle shot from the point into the net.

The Sharks went up 3-0 when, after blocking Alxander Edler’s point shot, Marleau took a quick pass from Thorton & scored on the breakaway, beating Luongo on the glove side.

Antti Niemi, and a much improved penalty killing unit, kept the lead intact throughout the second, which saw both teams give the sin bin plenty of business.  When defending a four minute power play stretch that included 1:55 over two stints and a 5-on-3 advantage, Niemi faced only five shots, with none getting passed him.  He made a big save on Alex Burrows, and robbed Daniel Sedin.

Rallying in the third, the Canucks got their first goal courtesy of Burrows, just 1:09 in.  Five minutes later Boyle fired a blistering shot past Luongo, from just above the right circle.

Late in the third McGinn, slammed Aaron Rome face first into the boards, resulting in a five minute boarding major and a game misconduct.  After lying on the ice for a few minutes, trainers helped Rome to the locker room.  It’s currently unknown if he will play in Game 4.

Vancouver capitalized on the lengthy power play.  Dan Hamhuis gave the Canucks their second goal.  Bieksa scored, cutting the lead to 4-3 with 3:56 left in regulation time.

A penalty to Bieksa gave the Sharks their 10th power play, and Vancouver couldn’t get the equalizer.

For the first time in the series, San Jose outshot Vancouver 38-30

“We realize how important tonight was,” said Thornton.  “We realize what’s at stake.  The guys showed up and the fans were into it.  They gave us an extra boost.”

The game’s three stars were Joe Thornton, Partrick Marleau, and Douglas Murray.

Game 4 is set to start Sunday at noon PST in San Jose.

The only goal of the period came from Owen Sound’s Robby Mignardi, who got his team the board. with a one-timer from an Andrew Shaw pass at 16:46.

The Attack went up 2-0 at 3:30 of the second, with a wrist shot from right-winger Roman Berdnikov.  Shot from the top of the face-off circle, it fooled Lieuwen on the short side.   Kootenay turned up the heat, but Jordan Binnington closed the door on all 15 shots sent his way.

Although Kootenay took control of the second period with outstanding goaltending from Lieuwen, Mignardi got his second, putting Owen Sound up 3-0 at 12:29.

Attack star forward Joey Hishon took an elbow in the head from Kootenay captain  Brayden McNabb and left the game bloodied and wobbly.  McNabb was given a five-minute major as well as a misconduct.

“It was a very difficult situation, you have a player who is six-foot-four stepping up to make a hit on a player who is five-foot-10,” Kootenay coach Kris Knoblauch said. “Joey Hishon is an excellent hockey player and got his head up at the last minute and was trying to dodge that play so he lowers himself trying to get out of the way.

“So now you have a five-foot-10 player who is a little bit smaller than that and it was pretty tough for Brayden McNabb to get out of the way and finish that check.”

A decision on whether to suspend McNabb or not is expected on Sunday.

Andrew Fritsch put another in the net at 16:23, with Garrett Wilson putting another in a minute later, giving the Attack a 5-0 win.

“Throughout the playoffs we always played back-to-back and two of the four series we played we lost the first game and came back and played very well,” Knoblauch said.

“Throughout the regular season it was kind of comical, we were awful in the second game of back-to-back games but we got better as the year went on.

“In the playoffs we were outstanding the second night. You don’t win or lose this tournament on opening night. We’ve got a lot of time to rebound.”

The game’s first star went to Jordan Binnington, who stopped 29 shots for the shutout, with second and third stars going Owen Sound’s Jesse Blacker and Joey Hishon.

The Ice play the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors Sunday, May 22nd, 7pm EST.