Plan an Adventure in British Columbia
With travel restrictions keeping Canadians close to home at the start of this decade, there is an opportunity to gain a greater appreciation for the beauty surrounding us in British Columbia. Adventures could take the form of daytrips, weekend trips or weeklong trips.
The absence of international tourists means locals can find some great deals on accommodations and visit some attractions with ease.
3 B.C. Adventure Ideas
Below are some fun weekend trip ideas. Remember to keep safe and respect the areas you plan to visit. Be aware of current provincial health protection guidelines. Stay home if you have any illness symptoms. Pack hand wipes and disposal bags.
#1 – Weekend At the Beaches
You don’t have to go far to find adventure in British Columbia. No matter where you live, you can find a beautiful beach or park near your home. Pull up a map and pick a beach or park near your home that you have never visited. Plan a day trip so you can explore, relax and return home at the end of the day.
If you’re up for more excitement during your weekend, you could choose two destinations to visit. Maybe one that offers a hike and one that offers some sun. Pack a picnic or order lunch-to-go from your favourite local café before leaving for sight-seeing. Pick a weekday or leave early in the morning to enjoy the sights while they are quiet. Pack some sunscreen (and bug repellent) and have a great time!
Metro Vancouver has some great parks that are an easy day trip visit. Go early to enjoy the experience while it quiet. If you have an adventurous pup, most parks permit dogs with leashes and cleanup supplies. Some favourite regional parks are:
– Belcarra Regional Park in Belcarra
– Boundary Bay Regional Park in Delta
– Minnekhada Regional Park in Coquitlam
– Pacific Spirit Regional Park in Vancouver
Check Metro Vancouver’s website before you go to view opening hours and safety advisories:
http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks/parks-greenways-reserves/
#2 – Weekend Away in Whistler
Whistler is magical during the winter and just as great of a destination during the summer! With so much available accommodation and a lack of international visitors, Whistler is an affordable and easy weekend getaway this summer!
Pack a cooler with drinks and lunch for the day. Make sure your camera is charged as this route is so scenic.
Continue along the road up to Whistler.
The Peak to Peak gondola reopened in July so enjoy the ride up and take a stroll around. Book your tickets online at: https://www.whistler.com/activities/peak-to-peak-gondola/
Other fun adventures include zip-lining and ATV riding. Supporting these local outdoor adventures will help keep them going. Remember to call before booking any activities to ensure they are running on schedule. Ensure any purchases are refundable if the activity is not able to run as scheduled.
A fun day trip includes kayaking from Alta Lake toward Green Lake along the River of Golden Dreams.
If you want to enjoy solitude, Whistler has a great network of outdoor walking and bike trails. Pick a trail that will take you to one of the small lakes. The natural beauty of Whistler and serene pace without an abundance of tourists will surely offer a relaxing weekend.
#3 – Week Away in the Okanagan
Planning to use up some vacation time? Take your time while enjoying a week-long road trip through the Okanagan. Visit the main highlights in Osoyoos, Penticton, Kelowna and Vernon. This area offers so many opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Start your drive early eastbound on Highway 1 to Hope. Continue along the Hope-Princeton Highway to Osoysoos. On the way, stop at a winery and an orchard to pick up some local treasures. Enjoy cycling in Osoyoos, followed by a wine-tasting tour. Finish the day at one of the beautiful beaches, such as Gyro Park Beach or Lions Park Beach.
If you enjoy wine, support the industry by picking up some wine from your favourite local winery. Find a winery in the same area that you have never heard of and buy a bottle (or case) of their wine too. Take your bottles home for a comparison tasting in your backyard. If your favourite winery is not open for direct sales this summer, you can still support them by purchasing their products in locals stores or purchasing online with free or discounted shipping.
After enjoying Osoyoos, travel north along Highway 97. Penticton is tucked between beaches with Okanagan Lake at the north end and Skaha Lake at the south end of the city. The most popular summer-time activity is floating along the channel from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake.
Kelowna is an excellent place to visit any time of the year, with beaches, wineries, golf and skiing, there is something for everyone. For a unique outdoor adventure, visit the Kettle Valley Trail through Myra Canyon south-east of Kelowna. With 18 trestle bridges and two tunnels, walking or biking along this scenic 12 km gravel path is worth the drive to get there.
North of Kelowna are a series of small lakes. Stop at Kaloya Park in Oyama between Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake to take in the brilliant turquoise, green and blue waters of Kalamalka Lake.
The railway between Oyama and Vernon has also been repurposed for recreational use. This flat path winds along the west side of the colourful Kalamaka Lake. As you ride along this Rail Trail, the hillside also offers colourful sights with different rock formations.
Drive from Vernon to Rattlesnake Point Park on Kalamalka Lake for a refreshing swim in the most colourful lake of B.C.
Before leaving Vernon, enjoy a nature walk at Ellison Park on Okanagan Lake. Treat yourself to a swim at the bottom of the path. Once refreshed, enjoy the hike back up.
Complete the circuit by driving back through Kamloops on your way home.
As you venture out of your home, remember to be a good neighbour. Be respectful of the places you visit by avoiding crowds, maintaining physical distance and washing your hands frequently. If you are staying at a hotel, resort or other vacation rental, observe provincial orders that limit the number of guests in a group and keep a safe distance from other guests. If we are all responsible to do our part to keep our communities safe, we can enjoy the best of B.C.
Share your favourite B.C. outdoor adventure idea in a comment below!
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