Dr. Rogers with Dr. Gunn created the integrative cancer treatment centre, now called “Inspire Health”.

To treat my Hypoglycemia, Dr. Rogers suggested two  options:  1) A 10 point program focusing on a healthy body, mind, spirit and family. “or” 2) I could take medication for the rest of my life.

The first option included dietary changes, exercise, baths, massage, relaxation techniques, prayer, assertiveness and  stress management.  At that time my choice was to take option # 2.  It sounded a lot simpler.  But, option two was going to be  hard on my body and my relationship with Dr. Rogers.

So, as a good patient, even though I was not convinced, I chose to trust Dr. Rogers and take the road to wellness.  I am happy to say that in less than 3 years all my symptoms were gone and I have not had any problems with hypoglycemia to this day.

My  first “aha” moment came  a year later, when I had my annual blood test .  This stuff really works!!!   So, I wanted to learn more.

I started to study whole food nutrition, relaxation, prayer, meditation, and energy medicine.

In the 1980′s I was very fortunate to Study “Stress Management” at the Columbia Centre in Vancouver.  I developed a Stress Management Seminar for a Crown Corporation which I taught  around the Province in 25 centres.

In my work in Employee & Family Assistance Programs I was able to assist my clients to improve  their health and in the mid 1990`s I developed a Wellness Program.

“Living Well“ focused on 6 Pillars of Health – Healthy Body, Mind, Spirit, Family, Society and Finances.  I am very happy to report that the program was a huge success and it changed the lives of many employees.

In 2004, I was very fortunate to learn about a Wellness Company, “Nikken“ from Japan, that had similar wellness goals for the World.   Nikken`s  vision is `Èvery home a Wellness Home, around the Globe.`

I  was quite impressed with my product experience, that  soon after I purchased all the Wellness Technologies for all the Dancing Firs Suites.  Each suite has the Magnetic Sleep System that includes a magnetic mattress toper, magnetic and far infrared comforter and magnetic pillows.  The Water System includes a filter and alkaline water and an optimizer that adds fresh oxygen into the alkaline water.  The Air Filtration System  cleans all the impurities in the air and adds Negative Ions for total relaxation.

As well, there is a tube of CM Cream for muscle aches and pains, sunburns and incect bites.

From time to time I think how fortunate for me and for my guests that I had Dr. Rogers as my Wellness  Teacher.    He started me on the path and I want to pass all my knowledge to others through nutritious breakfasts and the wellness environment where my guests can relax, refresh, recharge and rejuvenate.

I was passionate  about my job, my Clients and all the cities I visited each week.

Traveling around the Province on a few days notice was very expensive and I worked hard to maximize my time and to see as many clients as possible.

Working and travelling on the road is much harder that one realizes.  First there is loss of connection to home.  Then there is the uncertainty of travel due to uncontrollable circumstances such as weather, mechanical problems, flight schedules, especially in the North and East  parts of British Columbia.
Some of the difficulties of travelling that we all experience are  missing our family and friends very much, our comfortable bed and healthy home cooked meals to name a few.

I always felt very tired when I got home because the typical hotel beds, mattresses and pillows for example were seldom comfortable.

Sometimes it took me days to catch on my sleep or to get over the allergies of the cleaning chemicals and fire retardants that were regularly used in the hotel/motel rooms in which I stayed in every week.

During the 22 years  I was always re- designing the rooms I stayed in.

In my imagination: I would put in fresh flowers or fresh greens in my room;   there was always well ironed, 100% cotton sheets to slide into;  comfortable mattresses, without squeaky springs or  lumps;  real art from local artists;  luxurious robes and towels;  a small guest pantry so I could make a tea /coffee or hot chocolate in my room; a library of books or magazines to read.

There was always a window, to open, for fresh air;  the water was  filtered and tasty, so I could stay hydrated and healthy;  natural cleaning products that left my room fresh and relaxing.

And because I wanted to stay healthy and focused on my Clients. So, in my imagination I created gourmand breakfast menus that appealed to all the senses with beautiful china and silver service.

In my imagination: I would create a special place for all travellers, especially the Business Traveller.  I imagined that my Inn would pamper each Guest and that he/she would be surrounded with beauty, luxury, and wellness products to heal  the body and relax the mind.

I imagined organic food prepared with love and to fit each Guest’s dietary preference or constraints.

A place where Guests can truly relax, have a deep sound sleep, drink pure water, breathe clean air inside the room, walk the garden, eat seasonal berries from the garden, go for long walks and relax in a  outdoor hot tub with a view of the sky.

All of the above and much more has been created at Dancing Firs!

I want my guests to enjoy this unique property.

To feel at peace and to wake up feeling well rested and refreshed to take on the day.  But most of all I want my Guests to feel good when they get home because they  have travelled well.

Our  motto at Dancing Firs is ” Live Well and Travel Well!”

Cooking breakfast is an art and a science.  To me it is the most important meal of the day because our blood sugar is low and the body needs whole foods to start the day in the right way.

Our breakfasts are designed with the King/Queen in mind.

The food has to be fresh and of high quality, mostly organically grown, from our local  Fraser Valley.  As well when it is necessary we get organic produce from the  Okanagan Valley, Washington, Oregon and California.

I am crazy about Fruits, Nuts and  Mushrooms for their delicious taste, eye appeal and healing qualities.

As well, I like vegetables, the brighter the color the better the taste.  I am  constantly experimenting with food combining on the Dancing Firs Breakfast Menu.

In developing the  Dancing Firs Breakfast Menu I want to please the King’s/Queen’s taste buds and to offer a nutritious and healing food combinations.

For example I love to cook with:

Almonds – brain food, lowers bad cholesterol levels, etc; *

Walnuts – brain food, conquers cholesterol, lifts mood, protects the heart, etc; *

Apples – keeps the doctor away, and much, much more; *

Coconut -   the coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, etc; *

Melons -  very high in beta carotene content, abundant in potassium, etc; *

Shitake Mushrooms – has viral and immunity-boosting properties, provide high levels of  vitamins and essential amino acids, etc; *

Eggs – a good supply of Chlorine , a nutrient for good health, a good source of protein, phosphorous, vitamin A, vitamin B5, and  vitamin D, etc. *

Squash – has influences on the spleen, stomach and it helps in reducing inflammation, etc; *

and many more tasty and nutritious ingredients.

Our King’s breakfast  features sweet or savory  treats freshly prepared  with love and to the King’s palate.  To quote Our King Hugh and Queen Mary “FABOULOUS BREAKFAST! (their caps) Thank you Mary for the extra special treat of fried tomatoes.  You are the Best!”

On the sweet side our menu features are: 1)  Oven Baked Fresh Apple and  Almond Pancake sweetened with Organic Maple Syrup;  2) Maple Walnut Crepes with our own Preserved Pear Halves;  3) Baked Ricotta Crepes with Blueberry Compote.

The Savory menu features are:  1) Shitake Mushroom Frittata with Mango Salsa; 2)  Dancing Firs Sausage or Veggie Strata; 3) ‘The Firs’ Root & Squash Latkes, with Sour Cream.

On the lighter side we have Fruit Smoothies with Nikken’s Body Balance – Vegetable Protein Meal Replacement Mix-, for great energy all morning and it tastes great with Bluberries.

In the summer months I preserve fruits and jams/jellies with organic sugar and alkaline water for great taste and good nutritional value for my King/Queen.  My preserves are featured in fruit salads and condiments.   And, as a meal with Yogurt or Cottage Cheese and toast.

Breakfast is served  on our ‘King’s/Queen’s time frame’ anywhere between 7:00 am to Noon, in the comfort of their suite, in bed, the dining table, or on a sunny day on the deck/patio.

As well, the ‘Guest Pantry” is stocked with organic juices, organic coffee and teas, milks (cow, goat, almond & soy) and seasonal fruits, for a relaxing drink of fresh fruit snack as soon as the King/Queens wakes up.

Our ‘Royal Guests’ are very special and Dancing Firs offers a Wellness environment  with great Air, Sleep, Water, and the Breakfast is the perfect complement to our Wellness Philosophy.  We are constantly studying the latest nutritional literature and creating new items on the menu and enhancing the old favourites

Our King’s breakfast is cooked with love, has great eye appeal and tastes delicious.  To quote our Royal Guests,  Andy and Julie,”‘Breakfast time was a highlight of the day”.

*Encyclopedia of Whole Food Medicine Vol II by Don Tolman

My first “Why” is sharing this  beautiful property with some amazing people from  Alberta, British Columbia,  Manitoba, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario,  Quebec, Saskatchewan and the Yukon.  From the USA;  Arizona, California, Florida, Oklahoma,  Oregon, Nebraska, New York, Texas and Washington State.  From the rest of the world, Australia, China, England, Germany, Holland, New Zealand, Shetland Islands, Scotland, Switzerland, Taiwan and Turkey.

For me Dancing Firs is a sacred space and I thank God everyday  for the blessing of living here.  That is “Why” I get such a thrill when  I see my guest’s eyes widen and they say; “Wow, this is beautiful and so peaceful” or ” the pictures don’t do this  property justice”, as one local business man recently said upon arrival.

But  my two  favourites are: what Denise from Edmonton said: ” This property is scrumptious”  and  about every 5th/6th Guest  says; “We just do not want to go home.”  That gives me joy and makes the long hours worthwhile.

One guest from Quebec said, when he stood in the lower gardens,  “Who designed the gardens?  I feel  that I am standing on the bow of a great cruise liner”.

Other comments such as these are numerous from my guests.   It  pleases me a great deal that they notice the attention to detail and that they appreciate  the love that has gone into creating this Sanctuary.

Another Big “Why”  is that I feel there is very little pampering in world these days.

I absolutely love to  Pamper My Guests!

I  always prepare the  food that I cook with love and with the person in mind.  Before my Guests arrive I know what dietary likes, dislikes and restrictions they may have, so that they will be nourished well.

I always prepare a  healthy and delicious “King’s Breakfast” which appeals to all the senses.  This is delivered to the guest’s suite, so  if they wish,they can eat breakfast in bed or inside or outside on the deck, in their robes.

Each Guest pantry is stocked with organic and locally produced food, organic juices, seasonal fruits, condiments, spices, organic coffee and tea, etc.  This way my guests can have a snack or a drink any time they wish.

As well, every time I make a special Bosnian Dish, or Chicken Soup or Chocolate Chip Cookies I share these delights with my Guests.   On very special occasions, I  have  hired one of the Local Chefs to cook an Anniversary or Birthday lunch or dinner for my Guests.

Another way I love to pamper my guests is to offer a luxurious and healthy environment.  I had each suite professional designed for total comfort and relaxation.  I wanted to create a “Home Away From Home” for my Guests because when I travelled for business, I missed my home so much.

For me pampering also means sharing my wellness techniques with my Guests.  In  2004 I  had a profound product experience  to help heal a very painful bruise on my hip, from a Japanese Wellness Company, called Nikken.  I discovered that Nikken Wellness Philosophy is based on 5 Pillars of  Health;  A Healthy Body, Mind, Family, Society and Finances, which is also in line with my belief system.

Within a two year period I equipped each suite with all  the “Nikken Technologies” to help my Guests with any aches or pains,  they may have  from travelling.  And, at the same time to introduce them to a great sleep, pure water and rejuvenating air.   This gave Dancing Firs the coveted “Nikken Wellness Home Designation.”

I love to hear comments like ” I have never slept this well in my whole life”, “I had a great relaxing sleep” and “this water tastes so great” as my Guest from Quebec said the other day.

For me “Being an Innkeeper” is a labour of love,  I get to share my blessings with others.  I get to share my passions for WELLNESS with my Guests.    And, I can use  my cooking, canning,  cleaning, decorating, garden design and flower arranging skills to pamper and nurture my Guests.

I delight in making my Guests experience at Dancing Firs as enjoyable as possible!  That is why I love being an Innkeeper so much!

Hope to see you soon!

You may recall Donald and I were living in two side by side bungalows.  The first challenge was how to turn one suite into three, while at the same time retaining one of the units as my home.

The next challenge was roof integration.  One of the bungalows had a flat roof.  The other was a regular hip roof.  In my mind this was very unattractive.  So the challenge was how to integrate the two.

My next step was to hire an architect.  Her and I meet many times to discuss how improve the aesthetics of my roof.   Her biggest problem was that the flat roof was over 2 feet lower.   Regardless she submitted drawings to the roofing company.  The roofers were actually quite good and had suggestions on how to accomplish what I wanted in an easier way.

But it seems there was a bigger problem.

Once the roofers got on top and had a thorough look they concluded that there was so much rot that the roofs of both units had to be removed and replaced at a much higher cost than I budgeted for.

Once I realized that this was going to be a major undertaking and not just a matter of fixing a roof, I thought to myself, ‘I might as well’ change the front entry, add 1000 sq feet,  put new windows in, demolish the old garage, build an attached garage,  add a hot tub, build  new decks, build a new courtyard and a cistern to collect the rain water from the roof, and a add new driveway.

In addition the City of White Rock building department wanted me to bring the 62 year building to the present building code.  Finally all the walls, wiring and plumbing had to be replaced.

“Whew!!!”, — it makes me exhausted just thinking about it.

The good news is all of it has been done and my guests can now enjoy the aesthetic appeal of these enhancements.  On this website you will see numerous pictures where the fruits of my labour are presented.

I hope to see you soon!

In January, 2002 my job, as the Staff Relations Officer, in BCAA in Ladner, BC was down sized. I was devastated, so much so that I went home and cried for the whole weekend. This was my second major loss in 2.5 years. I lost my Husband Donald, two years earlier. At the time I was living in the home we shared for almost 10 years, two side by side small white stucco bungalows. Our property sits on the bluff overlooking Semihamoo Bay and the USA San Juan Islands in White Rock, BC. This Sea Side Community is 45 minutes South of Vancouver, BC and about 2 hours North of Seattle, Washington State.

Once I calmed down and could think straight again, I recalled my big dream which Donald and I discussed many times. My dream was to turn one of the bungalows into a B&B. Donald’s response was “Kate, keep on dreaming but never give up your day job”.

Now that my “Day Job” was gone, I started to dream again. If I built a Wellness B&B then my dream would come true. In an instant I knew the perfect name for my B&B, “Dancing Firs”. Years earlier Donald decided to call our little Heaven “Dancing Firs”.

On our property we have 18 tall Fir Trees which put on a dance show whenever the winds blow out of the Pacific Ocean. He used to say “Mary, look at those firs dancing”.

Now all I needed was to pull together the funds to do the renovations needed to develop 3 independent suites. Renovations started in September 2003 and the 3rd suite was completed in June 2008.

My first booking was on August 22, 2004. A lovely couple from Oregon. They had booked a weeks holiday in a B&B, on a horse ranch, on Salt Spring Island. White Rock/Dancing Firs was a perfect place to stay and play for a day, while on route to the Island.  Dancing Firs is only 20 minutes from the Tsawwassen Ferry to Vancouver Island.  I informed them that as my very First Guests they would get a special rate. In appreciation they gave me a beautiful book.

After they left it occurred to me that August 22nd was important for another reason. It was the same day in 1958 that our Family arrived in Canada from Bosnia. I thought it was a good omen!

A few weeks later I got a nice thank you note.   They were kind enough to remark that the B&B they stayed at paled in comparison to Dancing Firs.

I was very pleased to hear such a compliment. It gave me the confidence needed to continue living my dream;  to have a world class B&B which focuses on beauty, luxury and wellness, so that my Guests can have a home away from home, to relax, refresh, recharge and rejuvenate!

Starting in 2011, Mary Robson and her enthusiastic staff at Dancing Firs are offering complimentary lessons in the ancient art of canning fruits and vegetables (all brought in fresh from the renowned Okanagan Valley in the interior of BC).

Learn from a master with over 40 years of experience in this long lost cooking art.

Leave the Firs not only with a case of your own freshly canned peaches, pears, Winter salad or jams, but the knowledge to make them on your own!

Or, you can simply visit us again in September or August and make another batch!!

We can’t wait to see you here again!

Most hotels in the Vancouver area are centrally located downtown. Many are large, impersonal and sometimes noisy. Most municipalities require that hotel rooms are fire safe, and drapes, carpets, and furnishings have fire retardant sprayed on which may not be the healthiest environment to sleep in.

Your view may be that of the parking garage and your room may be of shoebox proportions. If you’re lucky, breakfast will be included, but it may not be up to gourmet standards.

Hotels may also be limited in guest laundry facilities so if you‘re staying more than a few nights you either have to find a Laundromat or wash out your clothes in the bathroom basin and hang them up in the bathroom to dry.

Coffee and tea making amenities may not be provided and not having kitchen facilities means you have to eat out all the time. Eating out at first while you’re on vacation seems like fun, but it’s surprising how soon you long for a home cooked meal. Not to mention, constantly dining out at restaurants soon adds up and hits you in the hip pocket.

In contrast, bed and breakfasts have the owner on the premises, they’re very welcoming, much more quiet, and a home away from home. Most guests become friends and return to the same place year in and year out.

It’s easy to ask your bed and breakfast host or hostess what are the best places to see in the area, and the best places to eat. Thoughtful touches are usually provided, such as a guest laundry, coffee and tea making facilities in your room and usually a full breakfast every morning.

Dancing Firs is a high-end B&B at White Rock, B.C. Only ten minutes from the U.S.-Canada border and 30-45 minutes from downtown Vancouver and its major attractions, it features three private suites, each with a deluxe bathroom, full kitchen or kitchenette and hot tub with 180 degree Pacific Ocean views.

Awaken in the morning to the delicious aroma of a full, gourmet breakfast each and every day. Each suite contains a guest pantry, stocked with handy condiments, jams, and olive oil. You can even make your own cappuccino, courtesy of your very own cappuccino maker and organic coffee and cream. For tea drinkers, there’s a wide selection of teas, or if you prefer juice, Happy Planet juices and water.

Every suite has a guest library filled with books, magazines and videos. Other amenities include a guest laundry and outdoor barbecues. If you’d like to explore outdoors, why not stroll down the garden path to the edge of the ocean where you may spy an eagle or shorebird? Or perhaps walking along the forest path, where you may even meet a resident raccoon?

Dancing Firs is a great place to relax, recharge, refresh and rejuvenate. If you want to find out more about hotels versus bed and breakfasts, take the video tour of Dancing Firs right now and see for yourself which one you prefer.

Enjoy Vancouver and escape the desert heat with this spectacular ocean front property which is only ten minutes from the U.S.-Canada border and 30-45 minutes from downtown Vancouver and major attractions.

This bed and breakfast establishment features three luxurious suites, each with its own private hot tub affording you 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean.

Value added amenities are included such as a full gourmet breakfast every morning, guest pantry and library in every suite, fresh flowers, high speed internet access and free long distance calling in North America.

Each suite boasts a cappuccino machine, organic coffee and organic cream, so you can indulge your senses in your very own organic cappuccino. Each guest pantry also stocks Happy Planet juices, water and a deluxe assortment of teas as well as condiments, china, cutlery and glassware.

If relaxation is your style, you could book an in-house spa treatment or visit great local spas. Or you can just “be” on one of Dancing Firs’ meditation decks. Why not take a gentle stroll down the garden path to the water’s edge where eagles and shorebirds live or enjoy walking along the forest path. Who knows – you may even meet a raccoon!

For more active guests there’s horse-back riding in Campbell Valley Park which is just minutes away. There are also bike trails galore, urban forests, hiking trails, and for the really active, nearby athletic parks.

Art buffs can visit great local artists in the area and there’s also the opportunity to write or paint. Private tours can be organised for that special private viewing.

At nearby White Rock Beach you can walk along the pier, while at Crescent Beach you can stroll along the promenade, go shopping or even try out a yoga class.

There are great local and ethnic restaurants nearby such as Japanese, Italian, Southwest, French and Mediterranean. If you can’t decide which one to dine at, your host, Mary Robson, will be happy to guide you in your selection.

And of course, there’s plenty of local salmon! So if you don’t feel like going out to eat, why not buy some salmon and grill it on one of the outdoor barbecues?

Dancing Firs is a special place that’s just made for you to relax, refresh, recharge and rejuvenate. So the next time you’re looking for Vancouver resorts, why not keep Dancing Firs in mind? You can even take a video tour of this spectacular property right now!

Guest houses in Vancouver are usually very close to public transportation, such as the bus or SkyTrain. There are easy and fun day trips in all directions from the U.S.- Canada border and major attractions in and around Vancouver.

Some attractions visitors love include Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Park, the Royal City, the historic Gastown, Chinatown and Fort Langley. There are many botanical parks and gardens in the area, such as the UBC Botanical Gardens, VanDusen Botanical Garden and Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest.

One of the guest houses near Vancouver is Dancing Firs, a high-end bed and breakfast establishment in White Rock. Only 30-45 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver, Dancing Firs is an estate ocean view property with guest services such as a full gourmet breakfast every morning, guest pantry, library, high speed internet and free long distance calling in North America.

There are three private and luxurious suites available to guests ranging from one to two bedrooms. Each suite has access to the hot tub with 180 degree ocean views making it a great place to relax, recharge, refresh and rejuvenate.

If you seek peace and quiet, there are even meditation decks available so you really can become one with your surroundings. Strolling garden paths take you right down to the edge of the Pacific Ocean where you can experience the salt tang against your face and the swoosh of waves as they roll in towards the shore. In the distance you can see Mount Baker, a magnificent glacier that captures the day’s changing moods.

There are also forest paths to walk along where you can listen to birdsong and may meet a raccoon along the way. You may even spy an eagle gliding high above you or catch a glimpse of a shorebird along the water’s edge.

There are many places to eat nearby, such as Italian, Japanese, American and Mediterranean restaurants. If you don’t feel like dining out, why not buy some local seafood and cook it on one of the guest barbecues? Your private suite comes with a well equipped kitchen, including condiments, spices, china, cutlery and glassware. Dancing Firs provides you with everything you need for a wonderful getaway experience.

There are many guest houses in Vancouver and its surrounding area, but for the ultimate in luxury and elegance, Dancing Firs is the destination bed and breakfast. Why not take a video tour of the property right now and see for yourself what makes Dancing Firs the only place to stay?