Cyclists Get A Kick From Champlain

Bicyclists can pretty much have it all in terms of terrain on the Lake Champlain Bikeways network of trails.

The 350-mile tour loops around Lake Champlain and the Richelieu River in Vermont, New York and Quebec.

Along the way cyclists ride through the countryside, picturesque villages and past historic sites and museums.

Connections are available via passenger rail lines and ferries.

Those interested can get a free guide to the tour, “Lake Champlain Bikeways,” by contacting the Lake Champlain Visitors Center, RR 1, Box 220, Bridge Road, Crown Point, NY 12928; by e-mail at lcvisit@capital.net; or fax (518) 597-4648.

Getting there by air

A new newsletter for private pilots is up and flying. The Flying Inns was launched last October by pilots Teri Hein and Jim Smith as a getaway guide for pilots exploring the Northwest. It gives locations and idiosyncrasies of airports, landing strips and float plane docks, as well as reviews of local inns, restaurant and services that cater to travelers arriving by small plane.

The Flying Inn is published five times a year. Past issues have focused on the San Juan Islands, the Columbia River Gorge and Puget Sound.

Subscriptions are $35 a year; information is available from Flying Inns, 4136 Meridian Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98103.

All around the Maypole

Those wanting the quintessential spring celebration experience should head for Leavenworth, Wash., next weekend.

The annual Maifest will be May 9-10 in this mountain town on the east slopes of the Cascades. The town will be decorated with dozens of flower baskets, and weekend activities will include an art fair, oompa music and a wide variety of Bavarian cuisine, in keeping with the town’s theme.

For information, call the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, (509) 548-5807, or on the Web at www.leavenworth.org.

Sail the Inside Passage for less

BC Ferries is offering early bird discounts on ferry travel along the British Columbia coastline. From May 19 through June 14, travelers can save on regular fares.

One of the most popular cruises is a 15-hour daylight cruise between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert. From Prince Rupert, travelers can connect with ferries to the Queen Charlotte Islands (about $16 adults, $60 for cars, $101 for RVs in U.S. funds). Information on overnight accommodations in the Queen Charlotte Islands is available from Tourism British Columbia, (800) 663-6000.

Information on BC Ferries routes and fares is available by calling (250) 386-3431, or by writing BC Ferries, 1112 Fort St., Department L&L, Victoria, BC Canada V8V 4V2. The sailing schedule is available on the Web at www.bcferries.bc.ca.

A celebration on the big island

Those heading north of the border this month might consider a new 10-day celebration in Victoria, British Columbia.

The new Victoria Harbour Festival, May 16-25, will include outdoor entertainment, a yacht race and walking tours.

For a complete schedule of this new event on Vancouver Island, contact the Tourism Victoria Information Centre, (250) 953-2033; for accommodations information, call (800) 663-3883.

All aboard four times a day

Amtrak will add a fourth daily passenger train this month on the run between Seattle and Portland.

The service will be added May 17 because of the growing popularity of the route, the Washington Department of Transportation Department said.

The four-hour trip will be shortened in the fall when Amtrak adds the high-speed Talgo trains to the route.

Clarifications

The correct number for the Olympic National Park is (360) 452-0330.

The correct number for Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door guides is (425) 771-8303. The number we offered a couple of weeks ago was incorrect.

And those wanting information on the Newport, Ore., area should call the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, (800) 262-7844, where a wide range of tourism-related brochures and pamphlets are available.