Enjoy the view at Rockwater Resort

We don’t agree on much.

You’ve already heard about our disparate eating habits (vegetarian vs. carnivorous extremist), opinions on football, fondness for firearms, et al.

And even on the one subject where we do come together, our interpretations differ vastly.

My husband and I both like to camp. But his version is such an elaborate production – with the 1,200-square-foot wall tent, wood-burning stove, year’s supply of fuel, and king-sized, pillow-top cots – one would find it more relaxing to stay home and clean the garage than set up camp.

I’m more in favor of the human-powered, everything-on-your-back sort of trip.

But absent that, I’d just as soon be clean and pampered. And the geniuses at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort have brought it all together in one splendid package specifically designed, so it seems, to preserve my marital happiness.

Reaching the spot on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast requires a floatplane or a ferry ride followed by an hour-long drive along the coastal highway, all of which should appeal to my husband’s desire to really work for it.

(It’s not enough to throw a pack on and hit the trail. No, sir. The more complicated your plan, the better. Multiple vehicles? Added bonus.)

Once you haul yourself to the resort, it starts to get interesting. You can ensconce yourself in a regular old room in the lodge or a cabin (how boring!) or you can take the 1,500-foot boardwalk to your Rockwater Tenthouse Suite, 10 to 20 feet up in a grove of arbutus trees.

The resort says these treetop tents are “inspired by nature” and offer “the pristine view and natural surroundings that only tent camping can offer, without the need to sacrifice comfort or luxury.”

See? Tom gets his manly, over-engineered setup, and I get a nice, civilized hydrotherapy tub.

The Tenthouse Suites’ natural inspiration also includes heated slate floors, private fireplaces, king-sized beds and your own balcony with lounge chairs, just like you’ll find in the wild.

Rates for the tents start at $299 Canadian a night, which includes breakfast. For reservations, visit www.rockwatersecret coveresort.com or call (877) 296-4593.

Baroque fix

If you’re not a treehouse sort of cat, fret not. Canada has other attractions to offer, such as “Baroque Masterworks from the National Gallery of Canada,” appearing at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria from Dec. 15 to Feb. 25.

When they’re not visiting out West from Ottawa, the 12 paintings normally live in the National Gallery of Canada’s permanent collection. The works date from 1600 to 1750, and at that age, they rarely get out of the house. So this is a occasion worthy of notice.

The exhibit features the likes of Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt van Rijn and Nicholas Poussin, depicting various social, political and religious climates.

According to the gallery, “Many artists of the Baroque period appealed to the viewer’s senses by representing dramatic narratives in powerful ways, effectively stirring their emotions and challenging their intellect at the same time.”

You can have your own emotions stirred for a mere $8 Canadian. And if your intellect still needs more work, the gallery is offering a number of events associated with the exhibit, including “V.I.B.E. Film Night: Old Masters” on Dec. 7. Organizers promise a “short, provocative” look at works by Rembrandt, Rubens, El Greco, Fragonard, Goya, Blake and Turner.

Lectures address “Highlights of Baroque Music,” “Rembrandt and the Dutch Baroque,” and “Drama & Reality in Baroque Arts” on Jan. 18 and 25 and Feb. 1, respectively.

Learn more at www.aggv.bc.ca or (250) 384-4101.

Holiday dreams

Seattle Center’s annual Winterfest kicked off a couple of days ago, but you have until Jan. 1 to get in on the holiday fun.

The Holiday Ice Rink is back this year, along with the carousel and the Holiday Train with its miniature turn-of-the-(last)-century village.

The festival schedules a daily diet of music augmented with other entertainment like the Mud Bay Jugglers, a Magic & Mystery Show, face painting, dance performances and the Holiday Film Series with such classics as “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”

And you won’t go hungry either; they’ve got plenty of snacks, entrees and desserts right there on hand.

There’s additional information at www.seattlecenter.com/ winterfest. Or call (206) 684-7200.

Regional events

“Snohomish Historical Society Holiday Parlour Tour, Dec. 10, Snohomish, Wash. The town’s historical homes get all dressed up for the holidays and throw wide the doors. (www.snohomishhistorical society.com/360-568-5235)

“Charlie Russell Chew-Choo New Year’s Eve Train, Dec. 31-Jan. 1, Lewistown, Mont. All aboard for hot hors d’oeuvres and music, followed by a prime rib dinner back at the Yoga Inn and a New Year’s Eve dance. ( www.visitmt.com; (406) 535-8721)