Attendees will want to check out the Porsche Club display, featuring a variety of models each day of the show. Porsche Canada West club members will kick off the festivities on Wednesday with “Seeing Red,” followed by “Let’s Box” and “Tops Down.” Attendees on the weekend will have the chance to admire the iconic Porsche GT and RS cars on Saturday and Sunday.

Automobile fans can view the Porsche Club Drive In at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday and at 10:30 a.m. from Thursday through Sunday. The Drive Out occurs daily at 6:15 p.m.

Related story: Big Horn driving tour in the Canadian Rockies

“Coming off record-setting attendance last year, the Vancouver International Auto Show solidified itself as western Canada’s best-attended consumer show and one of North America’s premiere automotive exhibition events,” says Executive Director, Eric Nicholl, MBA. “Showgoers will find the latest technology-leading, environmentally focused EVs, coupled with lifestyle features and commercial vendors; this is a celebration of the automotive culture in BC.”
 
The Vancouver International Auto Show will showcase over 200 vehicles across more than 300,000 square feet at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

It will feature an expanded commercial and retail area, highlighted car displays, educational centres, and—of course—more manufacturers, all aimed at enhancing the consumer experience. Attendees will be captivated by new attractions and favourite returning elements.
 
Over 30 manufacturing brands and dealers will be displaying their latest vehicles, concepts and technology displays, including a showcase of Luxury Supercars and Exotics, high-powered classics, over-landers, and everything in between.

Brands include GMC, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Ford, Lincoln, Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Genesis, Volvo, Kia, Nissan, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Tesla, Rivian, Mercedes, Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, McLaren, Ferrari, Maserati, and more!

Canadian Vehicle Debuts including the SSC Tuatara Striker! Powered by a 5.9L twin-turbo V8 and pushing 1,750 horsepower, the Tuatara Striker is built for pure speed and precision. In 2021, the jet fighter-inspired vehicle claimed the title of the world’s fastest production car, reaching 455.3 km/h! Now, this record-breaking hypercar is ready to make its mark in Canada with the 2025 model starting at USD$2.1-million.

For further auto show information and tickets, visit www.vancouverinternationalautoshow.com.

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This multi-regional event brought together nearly 45 Porsche club members from CWR, the BC Interior, and the Inland Northwest Club, which is based in eastern Washington State. Several multi-regional events are held annually between the CWR and American clubs, demonstrating our valued cross-border friendship.

This story was originally published in C2Sky, the Porsche Club of America – Canada West region magazine, in the fall of 2024 (pdf).

Related story: Penticton offers the perfect Porsche travel adventure

Above photo: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Central Okanagan

Over six days, we travelled over 1,000 km clockwise across British Columbia. We began our tour in Kelowna in the central Okanagan, then headed northeast to Banff National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. We then headed south towards the Canada—USA border and swept back up north to conclude our trip in Nelson on the west arm of Kootenay Lake.

On our first day, we woke up early because it was a travel day. We agreed to meet our fellow club members in Hope at 8:30 a.m. before embarking on a 5-hour scenic drive to Kelowna via mountain back roads. The Big Horn tour officially starts this evening in Kelowna with a welcome reception to reconnect with old friends and make new friendships.

Okanagan Lake

Our destination was the Hotel Eldorado, a Victorian-style inn in the Mission area of Kelowna on the east bank of Okanagan Lake. Upon arrival, we observed a lot of activity in the hotel parking lot. It was clear that our Porsches were the stars of the tour. Many owners had diligently cleaned their vehicles earlier, drawing admiration from locals and fellow members. 

The Eldorado, originally the Eldorado Arms Hotel, was founded in 1926 by Countess Bubna, an aristocratic English woman. During the 1950s and 1960s, it was a social hub, hosting British-style garden parties, dog shows, and croquet matches with the town’s political elite.

We found it an intimate property with 53 guest rooms, many with balconies offering panoramic lake views. Our room was spacious and had a quaint old English charm. The hotel offers several restaurants, a spa, a marina, and a short boardwalk along the lake.

Big Horn tour decals

On the second day, we were all invited for morning coffee at August Luxury Motorcars in Kelowna and had our tour decals installed.

We formed a single line upon arrival as we eagerly waited to enter their service building. Once inside, we witnessed over a dozen employees installing our Big Horn tour decals on six Porsches simultaneously. This included a large tour decal on both doors, driver and co-driver names and an August Luxury Motorcars sticker on the rear of each vehicle.

Afterwards, we ventured across the street to the August Motorcars showroom, filled with over 100 used luxury, exotic, and classic cars such as Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren and more. I admit I did not want to leave without taking a closer look at a red Porsche 356 coupe at the back of the showroom. Special thanks to President and CEO Matt August and his friendly staff for their generous hospitality during our visit.

Winding mountain roads

Today’s Big Horn driving tour took us north along the Okanagan Highway, BC 97, to Radium Hot Springs. It features winding single-lane mountain roads interspersed with brief sections of divided highway. According to the tour book, it spans 438 km and lasts about six hours.

Before noon, we encountered a construction zone, which reduced traffic to an alternative single lane over a small bridge. As we approached the two-lane line-up, I noticed a semi-truck with hazard lights flashing in the right lane. So, I quickly moved into the left lane and was relieved to discover that the left lane continued to move slowly forward.

As we arrived in Revelstoke for lunch, we had not seen any other Porsches from our group that morning. We were nearly one hour behind schedule, so we figured everyone was ahead of us. After a quick lunch, we returned to the highway, continuing north into the Rockies.

Radium Hot Springs

With light traffic, we enjoyed a spirited drive to Radium Hot Springs and checked in at Bighorn Meadows Resort for our two-night stay. To our surprise, we were only the second Porsche to arrive, so I used the car wash station and explored the resort grounds.

Bighorn Meadows Resort is in the Columbia Valley, surrounded by the Rockies and the Purcell Mountain ranges. The luxury suites are on a 9-acre site surrounding the lush green Springs Golf Course. That evening, we all had a casual dinner in the golf clubhouse, where we met members of the Inland Northwest Club.

On day three, we could visit the Radium Hot Springs geological thermal pool, chill at the resort or explore Banff National Park, now a UNESCO heritage site. We decided to visit the town of Banff, so we headed east for 130 km, which takes about 90 minutes one way due to the park’s maximum posted speed limit of 90 km/h.

Big Horn sheep checked out our Porsches

Outside of Radium Hot Springs, we discovered a herd of Bighorn Sheep along the highway. Several large Bighorn sheep were leading younger lambs alongside the rocky hillside above us; we counted over 15 sheep.

I grew up in British Columbia and have visited Banff several times. However, it is no longer the quiet, rustic Rocky Mountain town I remember from childhood. Today, the touristy souvenir shops along Banff Avenue have been replaced by outdoor fashion stores, art galleries, and a more diverse food scene catering to international visitors. I’m delighted to discover that The Spirit of Christmas, my favourite store in Banff, is still open for business in the village. 

Rundle Bar

My favourite stop on the Big Horn driving tour was visiting the Rundle Bar at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, which is on the edge of town. Known as the “Castle in the Rockies,” the hotel was opened in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway as one of Canada’s earliest grand railway hotels.

Located on the second floor, the Rundle Bar was awarded the ‘Best Patio Award 2024’ by Canada’s 100 Best, the definitive guide to the nation’s top restaurants, bars, and chefs.

It offers a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Mount Rundle, named after Reverend Robert Rundle, a Methodist who the Hudson’s Bay Company invited to conduct missionary work in western Canada in the 1840s.

Due to strong winds, we chose a seat inside the bar with views of the mountain range. The interior design resembles a cozy living room, with bespoke furniture and intimate lighting pockets, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.

One of the greatest pleasures of the tour was spending that afternoon with fellow club members in the bar of a grand hotel. Sharing our Porsche adventures is a memory I will cherish for a long time.

The following day began with a time-distance challenge to Nelson. Our mission was to find Tour Host Francis Chin’s bright orange GT3 ahead on Highway 93 South. During the challenge, Francis made a breakfast stop and took scenic photos. Since we had already had breakfast before departing the Resort, we found him first, about 45 minutes too early.

That morning, our route for day five would cover nearly 400 km in about 4.5 hours. It began with scenic canyon driving, almost reaching the Canada – USA border, and then swept north to Nelson towards the pristine Kootenay Lake.

Nelson is the home to the grizzle bear

Upon arrival that afternoon, we learned that Nelson is home to ancient rainforests and iconic species, including the grizzly bear and Kokanee salmon. 

Our accommodations for the last two nights on tour were at the Nelson Prestige Lakeside Resort. Our room had views of the Lake and mountains and was within walking distance of downtown. 

With a population of only 11,000, Nelson has more restaurants per capita than foodie landmarks such as San Francisco, Vancouver, and Manhattan. That evening, we explored the downtown district and found Marzano restaurant on Baker St. It offers a genuine Italian dining experience with delicious artisan pizza, homemade pasta, and creative desserts.

Kohan Reflection garden

We had more options on our final day of the Big Horn driving tour. We chose a relaxing half-day counterclockwise loop that followed the Kootenay Lake shoreline on Highway 3 North to Kaslo, then east along Highway 31A to New Denver and returning south on Highway 6 to Nelson. 

The day’s highlight was our visit to the Kohan Reflection Garden in New Denver by Roy Tomomichi Sumi, a former Japanese internee at Tashme, Rosebery, and New Denver. He is a renowned master of bonsai and traditional Japanese gardens and an educator, designer, and builder. His Japanese gardens can be found throughout western Canada, and he was instrumental in creating the Nitobe Memorial Garden at UBC.

The highlight of our six-day tour was fully immersing ourselves in our country’s rich history and actively engaging with the locals. I especially relished picturing images of the British garden parties at the elegant Hotel Eldorado and partaking in stimulating conversations with fellow club members in the illustrious Rundle Bar at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs. We appreciate Roy Tomomichi Sumi for creating the enriching Kohan Reflection Garden. 

We initially signed up for the Big Horn driving tour to drive our sporty Porsches and connect with other members in the magnificent backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. However, this journey has also immersed us in local history, equipping us to forge stronger connections with the places and people we encounter and create enduring travel memories. 

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Situated in the Okanagan Valley in the southern interior of British Columbia, Penticton is nestled between the tranquil Okanagan and Skaha lakes. With only 40,000 residents, it radiates a simpler time, a small-town charm that is increasingly rare today. 

Penticton Porsche travel adventure story featured in C2Sky magazine (PDF).

Above Photo: S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Park, Penticton B.C. | Edward Quan

More Travel:

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Forgotten gold rush mining towns

My Penticton Porsche travel adventure begins in Vancouver and will take me 395 km, a four-and-a-half-hour drive east along Trans-Canada Highway 1 to Hope, which connects to Highway 3.

I loved the exhilarating experience of cruising along Highway 3 in my Porsche Boxster. This road is ideal for driving enthusiasts. The scenic route offers an engaging, twisty road – including 360-degree hairpin turns – through coastal mountain valleys, melting snow-cap-fed rivers and untouched forests. Along the way, you might spot wildlife such as deer, black bears, mountain goats, and forgotten gold rush mining towns.

During my two-day visit to Penticton, I visited its brewery scene and several wineries offering elevated dining experiences. My Porsche travel adventure took me north to Naramata Bench, where I enjoyed stunning lake views, orchards, and vineyards. On the second day, I took a circular drive south to Okanagan Falls and around Skaha Lake before returning to town. 

Everyone here is friendly

Penticton summers are sunny and hot, and the region offers various outdoor activities for all ages and families. These include relaxing on the sandy beaches, water activities on the lake, hiking and biking along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) trail, and skiing or snowboarding on local hills in winter.

On my first day, I quickly noticed that the residents moved much slower than city folks. The exception was a senior woman on an electric mobility scooter barreling down the sidewalk as I stepped out of the pastry shop. Perhaps she has a Porsche, too?

Main Street is lined with mom-and-pop businesses, such as coffee shops and artist galleries. Everyone is friendly. You will find a wide range of hotels, breweries, wine-tasting rooms, and restaurants, all within walking distance. Feel free to leave your Porsche parked for the night and enjoy the small-town charm of Penticton.

Cannery Brewing

Arriving later in the morning, I was excited to delve into Penticton’s thriving brewery scene, which currently features eight breweries. 

Cannery Brewing, located on Ellis Street in the downtown district, is a must-visit. Upon arriving for lunch, I met Patt Dyck, Co-Founder and General Manager. As we toured her facility, I quickly learned they are passionate about brewing beer. She shared with me that her business is more than brewing beer; it’s about their customers and the local community. 

The taproom offers 12 taps, local wine and cider, locally sourced and house-made snacks, and live entertainment on Sundays. During my visit, I enjoyed a flight of light ales and their locally famous nachos, which did not disappoint.

Cannery Brewing has a dog-friendly outdoor backyard that is open to families. Food trucks are present on weekends, or you can order delicious features from the Cannery Shack in the Cannery’s Backyard. It’s a welcoming spot for the whole family.

Hillside Winery & Bistro

On my first Penticton Porsche travel adventure evening, I headed north on Naramata Road to Hillside Winery & Bistro for dinner. This winding road is situated on the east side of Okanagan Lake. With my Porsche top down, I passed by numerous orchards and vineyards, enjoying views of the lake and the KVR trail, which crosses the road into the mountains.

When you first arrive at Hillside, you encounter a towering structure constructed from wood and stone reminiscent of old-world European architecture.

At the Bistro at Hillside Winery, you are encouraged to relax and slow down, offering a menu of sharing plates with locally sourced ingredients. My guest and I shared the Tacos with duck confit, corn tortilla, garden herbs cherry gastrique, and blueberry labneh with housemade hot sauce, which were very good.

This was followed by the sockeye salmon paired with a 2020 Merlot. As sockeye salmon has a more robust flavour than other species, pairing it with a medium-body, fruit forward Merlot was a new and exciting taste sensation. 

Petrasek Bakery

The following morning, I started my day by looking for breakfast and stumbled upon Petrasek Bakery on Main Street, which is in a new, larger location that they just moved to in April. It’s an artisan European bakery where everything is traditionally handcrafted and made from scratch.

A local informed me that Silvia and Jan Petrasek are famous for their chocolate croissants and fruit tarts. Therefore, I indulged in a delightful peach tart while relaxing on the front patio, observing the town slowly spring to life.

With the sun out and the top down, I departed on my Penticton Porsche travel adventure and drove south on Lakeside/Eastside Road, which hugs a windy shoreline along the east side of Skaha Lake. It was a leisurely 24 km drive, taking me about 30 minutes since I had the road almost entirely to myself. Much of the road surface is nearly level with the lake, providing an impressive view of the calm water and the hills on the opposite side, making it an unadulterated driving pleasure.

Liquidity Wines

My lunch destination was Liquidity Wines, located south of Okanagan Falls, nested on a hillside overlooking Vaseux Lake and nʕaylintn (McIntyre Bluff). Upon arriving in the parking lot, I discovered two Porsche EV chargers, a rarity these days.

Upon entering the winery, we were offered a complimentary tasting of their 2022 Estate Viognier. 

At the Restaurant at Liquidity Wines, Chef Josh Mueller creates a seasonal, three-course lunch menu centred around wine, allowing guests to indulge and savour a symphony of flavours that excite their palates.

Our server, Kellen, gave us a table on the patio overlooking the infinity pond and brought us freshly baked rosemary focaccia, whipped coconut butter, and preserved lemon.

I started with the Smoked Cod on potato and rutabaga, leek emulsion, and lemongrass. It was paired with their 2022 Estate Viognier, fresh, crisp, acidic flavours with herbal notes to complement my fish serving.

A Fraser Valley Chicken entree with coffee lentils, brown butter kale, fire morels, and black apple jus followed. The chicken had a crispy skin wrap with a rich, smoked taste, which was delightful. They paired it with their 2020 Dividend, a Bordeaux-inspired blend with aromas of juicy red strawberry and toasty notes that complimented the chicken dish nicely.

I finished my lunch with Black & Blue: blackberries, blue cheese, and chocolate for dessert, paired with the 2020 Estate Merlot, which is bright, juicy, and complex. You can’t go wrong with a fine Merlot with chocolate!

Liquidity Wines was one of the highlights of my Penticton adventure. They plan to launch a dinner service starting June 21. Visit their website for further details. 

District Wine Village

After lunch, we continued south on the Okanagan Highway 97 towards Oliver for a 12 km – 12-minute drive to the District Wine Village, Canada’s first and only wine village.

The District Wine Village is located just south of nʕaylintn (McIntyre Bluff) and has 11 wineries, one brewery, one distillery, and a restaurant. Each tenant is housed in individual buildings with seating areas and the full production wineries produce right on-site. The venue consists of 16 units arranged in a circle facing a central outdoor plaza, which can be used for public seating, hosting music artists, game shows, private weddings, and family events.

Canter Cellers

After a brief tour, Darcel Giesbrecht, the General Manager, introduced me to their newest winery, Canter Cellars. Canter is a horse’s gait with three distinct beats, representing a winery with three founding families. With a shared history with horses, they draw parallels to them as a powerful symbol of tamed beauty—much like the process of history and winemaking in the Okanagan Valley.

My tasting started with a Rose 2023 Cabernet Franc, an outstanding summer patio wine. Bright and attractive, it has pink grapefruit and raspberry aromas and sea minerals. I then tried their Field Blend 2022, an unoaked chardonnay with subtle tropical fruit notes. Both were delightful, and I highly recommend Canter for your next visit to the District Wine Village.

My route back to Penticton would be primarily on two-lane paved country roads on the west side of Vaseux Lake. As I exited the District Wine Village, I turned south onto Highway 97 and travelled about 2 km before turning right onto Seacrest Hill Road, which leads me up into the hills and offers beautiful views of Tuc-el-nuit Lake. 

Seacrest Hill Road eventually connects to Willowbrook Road, only 4 km—5 minutes. I kept to the right and headed northbound on Willowbrook for 4 km—4 minutes. I turned right onto Green Lake Road, which offers a winding, narrow drive through wooded forest and cattle fields with varying elevations, providing an enjoyable drive.

Along my route, I passed Mahoney Lake, Nighthawk Vineyards, Green Lake, and See Ya Later Ranch, which are lovely wine stops if you have the time. At the end of Green Lake Road, you take a left to head north on Highway 97, which brings you along the opposite side of Skaha Lake, past small town Kaleden, and back into Penticton.

The Restaurant at Naramata Inn

My final evening dining experience was at The Restaurant at Naramata Inn, a 16 km—20-minute drive north of Penticton. They offer a seasonal dinner menu with a sommelier-curated wine pairing. Their restaurant wine list features primarily local wines, but many international wines are available.

I selected Naramata Bella Buddha’s Blend Rose sparkling wine to celebrate my two-day visit. It has a candied apple nose with a pale pink hue, tart strawberry-apple and white graphite pith on the palette.

I began with the Cauliflower soup with toasted seeds, brown butter, and green oil. It was thick, creamy, and full of flavour.

Followed by the slow-braised BC Grass-Fed Beef Short Ribs for my main course with celeriac potato puree, spring vegetables, and old-fashioned mustard. Each morsel melted my taste buds, so it was well worth the drive. 

To finish, I ordered the house-made chocolate dessert with Plot Twist Serrano Ice Cream, Coco Nib Glace, Port Jelly, and Walnut Crumble. The dessert was divine.

Four Points by Sheraton Penticton

During my visit, I stayed at the all-new Four Points by Sheraton Penticton at the Convention Centre, which just opened at the beginning of the year. Aditya Bhardwaj, Operations Manager, welcomed me upon arrival and ensured my check-in was smooth and efficient. 

The Four Points hotel caters to business and vacation travellers and is a 20-minute walk to downtown. Throughout my stay, I noticed a substantial presence of staff on duty, underscoring the property’s unwavering commitment to exceptional guest service.

A must-do is to visit the Four Points rooftop bar, the Rooftop at Palmer, which offers panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and the giant Penticton sign on Munson Mountain. On the ground floor, Palmer Casual Steakhouse, with its outdoor patio, serves delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners next to the lobby. I highly recommend the Banana Bread French toast on the breakfast menu; it was marvellous.

Discover the charms of Penticton, a wonderful town that is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable Porsche travel adventure. It is surrounded by exceptional wineries that offer elevated dining experiences, so you won’t be disappointed.

On my last evening, while driving my Porsche from Naramata, I gazed through the front windshield at the vineyards spreading across the lush, rolling landscape of the Penticton wine region. It was tough to say goodbye, but I knew I was soon heading back to the hustle and bustle of big city life, anticipating the congestion on Trans-Canada Highway 1.

This travel story was originally published in C2Sky, Porsche Club of America – Canada West region magazine in Summer 2024.

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Our tour leader, Wayne Shalagan, described our Grand Tour adventure as Gran Turismo. This is an Italian term referring to driving a sporty, yet luxurious automobile over a long distance. Back in the 50’s and 60’s, this required a powerful engine, a comfortable ride, and a lavish interior, all wrapped up in stylish bodywork. Gran Turismo is how the wealthy and aristocratic crossed the European continent: at high speed, yet with the ability to easily tackle a twisty alpine road.

Celebrating Grad Turismo Style story featured in C2Sky magazine (PDF).

Above photo: Steve Grimaldi

Gran Turismo adventure begins

Our venture into Gran Turismo began on a bright Sunday morning last September. Where our Porsches converged in Abbotsford, where we received our driving route handbooks and installed our Grand Tour decals on both doors and a third decal, with the names of each car’s driver and co-driver, at the top of each left door. 

To start, our route took us eastbound along the scenic Highway 3 to our first stop at Manning Park Resort where we were greeted by several travelling motorcyclists. It was on this route leg of the journey that I learned that when motorcyclists pat their helmets, that means ‘law enforcement ahead’. A handy tip for future drives!

They still pan for gold in Hedley

Hedley, a small mining town with a population of 250 was our next stop. There, we learned about the history of the region. From 1850 until the 1960’s, there was plenty of gold panned around Hedley. Even today, people still pan for gold in the Similkameen River; they say no one has yet found the original mother lode and hope springs eternal.

On Monday morning, we all departed from the Oliver Coast Hotel and headed east to Rossland after refuelling. On this part of the Gran Turismo, we participated in the first of a three-part rally challenge: the fuel economy challenge. A proper mileage and fuel consumption reading were required upon arrival at Rossland.

As we departed Osoyoos, we stopped at Anarchist Mountain Lookout which offers a panoramic view of both Osoyoos Lake and Washington State. Taking in this view brought back fond memories of my last visit to Penticton and Osoyoos for a winery tour story published in our club magazine in the fall of 2022. Our distance to Rossland from Osoyoos was 241 kms, the shortest day drive of the tour, which left us with plenty of time to explore Grand Forks during lunch.

Superb accommodations at the Josie Hotel

Upon arrival at the Josie Hotel at Red Mountain Resort on the outskirts of Rossland, we discovered a unique boutique property offering comfortable accommodations and secure garage parking for all our Porsches. The group met up for cocktails and a dinner banquet, which was a terrific way to end our day.

The Average Speed Challenge, the second of three rally challenges on our adventure, was held on Tuesday morning. Each Porsche departed Red Mountain Resort at staggered times and we each attempted to maintain an average speed of 82 km/hr. Until we found Wayne Shalagan’s Speed Yellow 911. Interestingly, we were not told the distance between our hotel and Wayne.

A few of the participants were operating GPS systems programmed to take them to our next destination, Waterton. Unfortunately, GPS took the drivers off Highway 3 resulting in them missing checkpoint Wayne and receiving a DNF score.

Waterton Lakes National Park

During the day, we visited the small towns of Creston, Fernie, and Sparwood en route to our destination, Waterton Lakes National Park. With two nights’ accommodations in the National Park, we had a full day to experience the natural wonders of one of the most beautiful destinations in the Canadian Rockies.  

On Wednesday morning, we all began to wash and prep our Porsches for our Show ‘N’ Shine in the hotel parking lot. Held in collaboration with the Vintage Sports Club of Calgary, we received a warm welcome by Chris Durtnall President.

High Tea

A group of us enjoyed High Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel, overlooking Waterton Lake, which I highly recommend. Built in 1927, the dramatic hilltop site above Upper Waterton Lake was identified as the ideal spot for the lodge in 1913 by a railway baron and President of the Great Northern Railway, Louis Hill.

If you visit today – and I recommend you do – the hotel staff are uniformed in Scottish kilts, and guests use brass door room keys. As in old London, the hotel’s single elevator has an operator and is less than a square meter inside.

At noon, we all boarded a Waterton Shoreline Cruise to explore the upper and lower Waterton Lakes which cross the US-Canada Border. No passports are required for a cruise around the lakes. We learned from our tour guides about the local wildlife. We were also told that the lake freezes over in winter months, with the melting snow replenishing lake water. 

Montana wilderness is epic

On Thursday morning, we departed for the Going to the Sun Road, an 80 km route in northern Montana. Unfortunately, we learned that construction had resulted in several kilometres of our chosen path being loose gravel. With great disappointment, most of the group decided to reroute south. However, a few Porsches did choose to drive the Going to the Sun Road.

Around noon, several Porsches converged on a local Chick-Fil-A for take-away lunch. Followed that with a quick rendezvous with Trevor, President, and Christi, of PCA – Inland Region at Woodland Park. After a group photo, other Inland Region members escorted us through Montana and Idaho to our destination in Spokane, Washington. 

On the interstate, I was following a Porsche GT3 which I could hear but could not see. The engine note told me when it was accelerating; I tried to keep up to no avail. After a long day’s drive chasing the ghost GT3, I looked forward to a pleasant evening in downtown Spokane.  

Mysterious Porsche GT3

Friday began with a Gimmick Rally, the last of our three challenges. For this challenge, we departed at staggered times and were required to answer 13 questions; such as what is the cost to get into the brothel at the motel in Davenport? After we answered the first 11 questions, one of the best parts of our driving tour was before us. 

Located just north of the Grand Coulee Dam, we turned onto Columbia River Road. This quiet, twisty, hilly valley road took us into an area with hardly any inhabitants other than a few cattle and horses. This 60 km route, following the base of a rocky valley, nothing but a desert landscape with sagebrush on both sides, gave us an opportunity to experience the exhilarating dynamics of driving a Porsche.

Sun Mountain Lodge, located high above the old western town of Winthrop, was our final night’s accommodation. There, we enjoyed our closing banquet and the announcement of the rally challenge winners.

Early Saturday morning, we all departed Winthrop for Sedro-Woolley, where we met up with PCA – PNWR’s Vice-President Gary Barklind and viewed some of their members’ Porsches. The terminus of the Grand Tour was at Scotty Brown Restaurant in Bellingham where we all said our final goodbyes.

Gran Turismo is a part of automotive history in which I am proud to have taken a part. Porsches were built for epic cross-country journeys, and we Porsche owners ought to continue celebrating the great roads, great food, and great people of our region with the Gran Turismo gusto of generations past.

But, having said that, I may need a faster Porsche; now which direction did that GT3 go?

The above story was published in C2Sky, Porsche Club of America – Canada West magazine, Winter 2023.

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To further highlight its exclusivity, Porsche Turbo is enhancing its appearance with an updated crest that features a new Turbonite colour instead of the traditional gold. 

This metallic grey tone was developed specifically for the Turbo and will be used on select exterior and interior components to give the Turbo models an even more distinctive look. 

Related Story: Transformers: Rise of the Beast features historic 911 Carrera RS

Porsche Turbo Turbonite

Porsche plans to introduce this differentiated branding across all their model series, starting with the new Panamera generation set to debut on November 24, 2023. 

Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche, explains that the Porsche Turbo has become synonymous with high-performance top models since the first turbocharged 911 was introduced in 1974. 

Porsche aims to make the Turbo even more visible and distinctive, setting it apart from other versions like the GTS. The new Turbo aesthetic is designed to be consistent across all model series, with an elegant, high-quality, and unique appearance that sets the Turbo apart as a brand of its own.

An elegant metallizing effect

Porsche has introduced a new metallic tone called Turbonite, which is exclusively reserved for the Turbo models. 

The paint has been carefully composed by the Porsche Colour & Trim experts, with gold elements creating an elegant, metallizing effect and the top layer in a contrasting satin finish. 

The Porsche Turbo models will feature the Turbonite finish on the lettering on the rear, the Daylight Opening (DLO), as well as the borders of the side windows. Depending on the model series, further details such as the inlays in the front aprons, the spokes, or the aero blades in the light alloy wheels could feature Turbonite paintwork. 

The exclusive crest of the Porsche Turbo models will now feature Turbonite as the dominant colour and will be present on the front, light alloy wheels, and steering wheel of all top high-performance models. 

Additionally, selected components in the interior, such as the trim strips and the belt straps, as well as several controls, including the mode switch and the air conditioning control panel, will come in Turbonite. The exact scope of Turbonite on these components depends on the model series.

Turbonite is also being used as a contrasting colour for the yarn on the seats, the door panel trims, the instrument panels, and floor mats in combination with a black interior.

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Now showing on the big screen, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, featuring Autobot Mirage, a historic 911 Carrera RS 3.8, is sure to delight both fans of the franchise and fans of classic Porsche cars. 

Capturing the hearts and minds of moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts takes you on a 90’s globetrotting adventure with the beloved Autobots and introduces a whole new group of Transformers – the Maximals – to join the cosmic battle for earth.

The Autobot Mirage – voiced by Pete Davidson – takes the legendary Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 (964) as its car form and fights for the forces of good alongside Optimus Prime. The 911 Carrera RS 3.8 is perfect in this role not only because the film takes place in 1994, but also because of Mirage’s character traits. He’s tough with a good heart and a bit of a rebellious streak that becomes evident now and again during the film.

Related story: Porsche Corral in Yaletown

No Porsches were harmed in the making of this film.

Porsche only built 55 units of the 911 Carrera RS 3.8, making it an exceptionally rare historic car. To avoid the risk of damage, no original model was used during filming. Instead, five picture cars were built to look exactly like 964s on the outside, without actually being original Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 models. Each of the picture cars fulfilled a particular function. One car, for example, was modified to go backward at higher speeds to escape the bad guys. Another was specifically prepared for stunt sequences. And yet another was controlled outside the driver’s cab for scenes that focused on the artists inside. 

Despite the use of these picture cars, to create an authentic engine sound for Mirage, a real 911 Carrera RS 3.8 was used so the film would be as accurate as possible. For Porsche Cars USA, it was important to represent the sound of the 911 model depicted in the film. Due to the limited number of 911s produced, for discerning audience members, and especially Porsche fans, anything less than total accuracy would be unacceptable.

Paramount, producers of the film, were thrilled to work directly with Porsche Cars USA to bring Mirage to life in a unique, iconic, and unforgettable way, showcasing the adventurous and heroic personality of both the Autobot’s forms – bot and car. So, gather up the kids, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews and head out to see Transformers: Rise of the Beasts at a theatre near you. Don’t forget to cheer on Mirage and the good guys!

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Related story: Shades of Stuttgart: Biggest display of the summer

Above photo: Porsche Panamera E-Hybird

Following successful exhibitions in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver for the Voyage tour, the next stop is the Pride tour in Vancouver from Wednesday, August 2 – Monday, August 7, 2023. There will be signature floral mannequins and Porsche installations at 3 different locations across the city (Bentall Centre, Yaletown, and Morton Park (one-day pop-up). At Bentall Centre, they will feature a 2024 Cayenne and in Yaletown, a 2023 Taycan 4S Cross Turismo. The one-day pop-up at Morton Park will take place on Friday, August 4 and will feature a 2023 Panamera E-Hybrid. All of these vehicles will be specially designed with floral arrangements inspired by the Pride festivities and the 75 Years of Porsche brand anniversary. 

Porsche Cars Canada wanted to take this celebration a step further and created the Porsche Corral. A fun and engaging event for PCA-CWR club members to drive their 911s (in honour of the 60 Years of 911 anniversary) to the different Porsche installations around Vancouver before getting together in Yaletown to display their vehicles in the Pride colours. 

The Porsche Corral in Yaletown runs from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday, August 5 beginning at Sunset Beach Park. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration. 

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Hosted by the Porsche Club of America – Canada West Region, spectators can expect up to 150 vehicles in celebration of Porsche’s heritage and colours which began in 1948 with the Type 356 No. 1.

Last year’s Shades of Stuttgart showcased nearly 50 vehicles and was hosted by Porsche Centre Vancouver. Relocating the event to Tsawwassen Mills will allow additional vehicles to be displayed, making it the largest club display of the year.

Porsche Adventure: Lake Chelan Wine & Jazz Festival

Rather than a one vehicle per colour, the new format will allow up to 20 vehicles regardless of age or model. For example, Speed Yellow was available on the 911 and 968 during the mid 90’s, Boxster, and Cayman in later years. Porsche colours can look different depending on the model and age.

The public will be given an opportunity to vote at the Shades of Stuttgart for their favourite colour as “Best of Show” with plaques awarded to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place. 

While some people may believe that the colour of a car can say something about its owner’s personality or preferences. There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on cultural and individual factors. However, here are some commonly perceived associations with different car colours:

Black: Sophisticated, powerful, and luxurious

White: Clean, modern, and efficient

Silver: Elegant, tech-savvy, and futuristic

Gray: Conservative, practical, and understated

Red: Bold, confident, and attention-seeking

Blue: Calm, trustworthy, and reliable

Green: Natural, peaceful, and eco-friendly

Yellow: Fun-loving, energetic, and youthful

Orange: Creative, outgoing, and unconventional

Purple: Imaginative, artistic, and individualistic

It’s important to note that these associations are not universal, and the meaning of a car’s colour can vary depending on cultural context and personal preferences. Additionally, the make and model of the car, as well as its condition and accessories, can also influence how it is perceived. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide what colour best represents them and their lifestyle.

Shades of Stuttgart, the biggest Porsches display of the summer at Tsawwassen Mills on Saturday, August 30th 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM.

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Now in its fifth year, the festival is held on the Victoria Day long weekend and showcases a broad range of genres, including funk, R&B, Latin jazz, and traditional styles. Add in the best wineries on both shores of Lake Chelan and a setting surrounded by mountain tops and what it all adds up to is an unforgettable Porsche travel experience.

Your own private concert

What makes the Lake Chelan Wine and Jazz Festival so marvelous is the intimacy; it’s like attending your own private concert. Unlike attending the Vancouver or Montreal International Jazz Festivals, Lake Chelan Wine and Jazz Festival offers small audiences – a couple of hundred people at most.

The festival features a line-up of 20 bands performing at 13 wineries and venues, 50 performances, and complimentary shuttle service. Moreover, the festival is a non-profit organization and all net proceeds go to local schools to support music, viticulture, and enology education so not only will you enjoy yourself but you’ll be contributing to a good cause too!

Lake Chelan is just five hours from the Canada-US border. The route takes you along Highway 2 which offers sweeping curves up and down Stevens Pass. Parts of the highway have only two lanes with no shoulders and just guard rails, so you need to watch your inside line which is no problem in my Porsche.

The town is home to less than 5000 residents. With its cold winters and hot summers, it is primarily a recreational tourist destination; the temperature of the lake water can rise to 20C in late summer. 

Growing up, I remember my parents playing Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick records. Those fabulous tunes are still alive and performed at the festival by a new generation of jazz legends such as Greta Matassa, Jake Bergevin, Michael Winkle, and Darren Motamedy.

Siren Song Winery

The three-part harmonies of Portland’s Swizzle Chicks dazzled audiences as they performed a variety of jazz and swing songs during their performance at Siren Song Winery and Restaurant. For the most spectacular Chelan Lake views, Siren Song Winery and Vineyard Estate, situated on 7 acres, has a tasting room, bistro, and private villa, and resembles an Italian village. I enjoyed a glass of their Chardonnay with tropical notes of star fruit and pineapple and a touch of vanilla and honeysuckle. If you plan a visit, perhaps try one of their reds with handmade pizza from the bistro.

Larc Hill Vineyard Ranch

Jake Bergevin, song writer and trumpeter, is a true storyteller. A feature artist with groups such as the Spokane Symphony, Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra, and more. His performances included jazz classics from the 50’s and 60’s and were held at the Larc Hill Vineyard Ranch on the south slope of Lake Chelan which produces Brut Bubbly White Wine, Cuvée Blanc, Ranch Rosé, Pre Se Chardonnay, and Cuvée Rosé.

Sigillo Cellars

Michael Winkle, a jazz vocalist from Portland Oregon, delighted the audience with tunes by Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Bobby Caldwell, The Beatles, and more. Winkle adds his own spin to these familiar melodies and delivers a dazzling sound. I enjoyed his music at Sigillo Cellars, located in a historic lakeside school. Sigillo offers traditional Bordeaux and Rhone varieties plus tapas style dishes for all to enjoy in their tasting room, on their rooftop deck, or at their outdoor or indoor seating areas.

Succession Wines

The Saturday evening closing act by Darren Motamedy, a dynamic songwriter and educator with 11 jazz albums under his belt performed at Succession Wines and was the highlight of the weekend. Motamedy, playing saxophone, performed a Vegas-style show that captivated the audience and had us all dancing as the sun set over the mountains. Succession has a large wine tasting room and an even bigger outdoor patio looking out over Lake Chelan. Crafting reds, whites, rosés and other premium wines, Brock and Erica Lindsay, owners, and winemakers, have a passion for creating great wines.

With all these incredible performances at the Lake Chelan Wine & Jazz festival, once word gets out, it will not remain as intimate for long. So, mark your calendar for next Victoria Day long weekend and, in the meantime, why not plan your own Porsche travel adventure this summer and visit some of the best wineries in north central Washington.

This story was originally published in the Porsche Club of America – Canada West Region print magazine, Summer 2023.

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New England style clam chowder is classic comfort food among Oregonians. It’s white and creamy, due to milk or cream, thick, and made with clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon. It’s served often with oyster crackers, topped with bay shrimp, or San Francisco style in a large sourdough bread bowl. With the coming of fall, I couldn’t imagine a more soothing meal.

It was a cool early October morning and, bundled in my wool scarf and leather jacket with my Porsche’s top down, I looked forward to driving a perfect line as I entered the twisty curves along Oregon’s rugged coastline. 

I could smell the waft of salt from the wild Pacific Ocean waves crashing against the many desolate sandy beaches as I waited for the moody fog to burn off. With the sound of my Porsche’s flat six engine purring in my ears, I traveled for five days, north and south, exploring several of Oregon’s coastal towns and historic lighthouses and, of course, sampling chowder at every opportunity.

My 500-kilometer journey took me from Astoria at the entrance of the mighty Columbia River to Charleston, a small town in Oregon’s Bay Area. I travelled far and feasted well and here are my discoveries in search of Oregon Coast’s best clam chowder. 

Related story: Savouring the best South Okanagan wineries

Monkey Business Food Express to Go, Charleston 

Monkey Business, a bright banana-yellow stand with adjacent picnic tables situated in the corner of Charleston Marina parking lot, won my choice for Oregon Coast’s Best Clam Chowder.

While the business name is bewildering, it stems from good intentions. The owner told me she purchased the business recently from the original owner and decided to keep the Monkey Business name for continuity.

Her house-made clam chowder was delicious and delicate, with a rich clam flavour, a light creamy broth, potatoes diced in small squares, and plenty of baby clams. The soup was garnished with a touch of burnt orange Cajun powder and served with oyster crackers – the perfect finishing touches.

Charleston is a community of less than 1000 residents, and they are very lucky to have Monkey Business serving up Oregon Coast’s best clam chowder. Open daily from 11am – 4pm, except on Wednesdays when it’s closed, make sure to check this food truck’s Facebook page for current hours before visiting.

Dory Cove, Lincoln City 

While I may have crowned Monkey Business’ clam chowder the best on the Oregon Coast, there are some who would disagree with me, and they might direct you to Dory Cove in Lincoln City.

During my evening visit, the restaurant was packed, and their clam chowder did not disappoint. It was neither too thick, nor too thin. It was very flavoursome with loads of potatoes, large clams, bacon, and a sprinkle of parsley on top. I followed it with beer battered fish tacos with a side of roasted red potatoes and onions – a very rewarding dinner after a day exploring Oregon’s lighthouses.

A family style restaurant, Dory Cove offers good service with an extensive menu, including seafood, pasta, and prime rib. Even if this wasn’t my pick for best clam chowder, you will not be disappointed by a visit to this coastal gem. 

Ecola Seafood Restaurant and Marketplace, Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is home to Haystack Rock, an Oregon icon of the stunning Oregon coastline. A small seaside village with outstanding resorts and well-known as a luxury travel destination for romantic getaways, Cannon Beach is a great place to visit for any traveller.

My lunch choice was Ecola Seafood Restaurant and Market, located one block east of North Hemlock St. in the downtown district. What is unique about this eatery is that the owners catch their fish on their own fishing boats along the Oregon and Washington coasts, bringing the freshest seafood to their customers.

Their homemade clam chowder was very good and had a smooth, balanced taste with the potatoes and the clams equally represented. Here, the chef prepares the chowder with no bacon and no flour, so the dish is pescatarian and gluten free. There is plenty of outdoor seating plus a rooftop deck which I enjoyed on my sunny afternoon visit.

Norma’s Seafood and Steak, Seaside

Seaside is home to Norma’s Seafood and Steak which claims the title of the World’s Best Clam Chowder. This 45-year-old establishment is in a light blue lighthouse-shaped building with white trim, just off-Broadway Street in the main shopping area.

Here you will find clam chowder that is thick and tasty, made from scratch with an abundance of clams and potatoes but no pork. It is served with warm, freshly baked bread and a pat of butter or with garlic toast. Epicurious named this little restaurant’s clam chowder one of the ten best soups in the USA and, with an extensive fresh seafood menu from crab cakes to king crab legs, there are plenty of dishes to make a visit worth it.

Seaside is a very popular destination as it has several hotels offering a variety of accommodations and activities for the whole family. You can explore sandy beaches, ride the wild surf, bike the promenade, or ride the carousel.

My fall journey along the Oregon coastline was another awesome Porsche Road trip. Navigating along winding cliffside roads, exploring the endless sandy beaches and picturesque lighthouses and, of course, searching for the Oregon Coast’s best clam chowder made each day a scrumptious Porsche adventure.

This story was published in the Porsche Club of America – Canada West Region Timberline magazine, Winter 2022.

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