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The Great Outdoors

Grab a paddle, lace those hiking boots and ready that fishing pole: Where‘s headed to the North Shore

By Jennifer Patterson

Meghan and Mat glide through the water in brightly coloured rentals from Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak. Photo by KK Law

Get Wet

Water babies feel right at home in picturesque Deep Cove, a short drive from downtown Vancouver and a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Rent a kayak at Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak and glide through the water, up picturesque Indian Arm, to Granite Falls. This photogenic park offers camping spots for multi-day trips. A growing trend with both celebs and weekend warriors: paddle boarding. Stand upright on a long, flat, surf-style board and use a long paddle to manoeuvre through the calm waterways.

Grab a fishing pole and head into the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve for some peaceful trout fishing around Rice Lake. The main dock is usually busy but the three-km- (1.8-mi-) long path around the lake is filled with hidden benches and quiet corners.

Learn about the culture and history of the Coast Salish First Nations on a guided canoe trip through Indian Arm with Takaya Tours. The traditional wood canoes are 7.6 m (25 ft) in length and tours can be customized to include drumming, songs and stories. End your day on the water with a grilled salmon feast, available by request.

Stay Dry

Landlubbers seeking an outdoor escape head north of downtown to kick up dirt on the tree-covered mountains. The 48-km- (30-mi-) long Baden-Powell Trail, a winding stretch through the North Shore Mountains, starts in Horseshoe Bay and ends in Deep Cove. Don’t feel pressured to complete the entire route in one go—an ambitious venture, indeed—as the trail has multiple entry points and smaller trails branching off along the way. A couple of route highlights: the famous Grouse Grind, also known as Mother Nature’s StairMaster; the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge; and Quarry Rock lookout in Deep Cove.

Those with a need for speed grab a mountain bike and burn rubber on backwoods trails. Mt. Seymour, Mt. Fromme and

Meghan and Mat make their way back from Quarry Rock viewpoint on a well-established trail. Photo by KK Law

Cypress Mountain offer paved, gravel and plank-covered paths ranging from relaxed cross-country to extreme downhill. If you’re a first timer looking for a little guidance, companies such as Endless Biking (page 64) can set you up with an instructor and guide.

If a city bike is more your style, 10 km (6 mi) of paved trails await on the car-free Seymour Valley Trailway. Do you have some energy to spare? Peddle the paved roads all the way to the top of both Cypress and Seymour.

Head a little further north, to the Stawamus Chief Park, for hard-core rock-climbing on the second largest granite monolith in the world (think sheer rock face with nowhere to go but up). If you prefer pounding the dirt to dangling from ropes, make your way up and through the mountains via trails, ladders and stairs to either the first, second or third peak. The climb is a bit challenging but the 360-degree views from the top make it well worth the sweat. Before heading back into Vancouver, visit neighbouring Shannon Falls, the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia.

Up in the Air

Challenge your fear of heights on the 137-m- (450-ft-) long Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging 70 m (230 ft) above the rushing river. This popular attraction with both visitors and locals added a jaw-dropping new feature this year: the Cliffwalk, a cantilevered and suspended walkway that juts out of a granite cliff face. The faint of heart may balk at the glass-bottomed sections, which offer crystal-clear views of the canyon far below.

Feel the wind beneath your wings as you set flight from the top of Grouse Mountain on a tandem paragliding ride with an elevation drop of 1,000 m (3,300 ft). No experience is required but a sense of adventure is a must.

Gear for Here
Stock up on clothing and equipment, for outdoor adventures both big and small, at Mountain Equipment Co-op and the Arc’teryx Factory Store.

Road Trip: Calgary to Cranbrook on the Crowsnest Highway

A view of the Kootenays near Cranbook. Photo by That Angela

By Waheeda Harris

Modern day explorers still lust to explore the unknown – and for those wanting to point their car towards unchartered territories, the Crowsnest Highway from Alberta to British Columbia provides eye-catching views of the Rocky Mountains, historic places of interest and small town hospitality.

Modes of Transport

Highway 22 from Calgary is the way to get to the Crowsnest Highway via Turner Valley, which originates in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Although easily done by with four wheels, this old train route can be used by cyclists who will appreciate the wide highway shoulders through the mountains. Approximate driving time from Calgary to Cranbrook is four hours, 46 min and a distance of 379 km one way.

Roadside Attractions

It’s been 100 years since this rock slide happened, but the Frank Slide is still the main attraction of wee Frank, Alberta, located east of the Crowsnest Pass. When 82 million tonnes of limestone moved almost two kilometres in less than two minutes, the immense fields of rock are worth a stop to walk through the pathways (free admission).  For those wanting an up close and personal experience of the Rocky Mountains, Fernie, British Columbia offers several trails for hiking and mountain biking.  Adrenaline junkies will appreciate the wild ride of the Al Matador trail, (free access) which ascends 1200m in elevation as you navigate the single track. Make sure to point your camera lens at the Three Sisters, aka Mt. Trinity, a popular mountain of three peaks.

An hour west of Fernie, stop in historic Fort Steele, a former gold mining town that will transport you back to the 19th century. A ride on the steam train locomotive or a wagon ride will be a welcome late afternoon distraction from the road.  Once you reach Cranbrook, spend time at the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, featuring antique rail cars, train memorabilia and the restored Royal Alexandra Hall from the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Royal Alexandra Hotel, which had been located in Winnipeg.

Eats

Start your roadtrip with a hearty breakfast at the The Chuckwagon Café on Highway 22, part of the Cowboy Trail and less than an hour from Calgary in the rolling hills of Turner Valley. Located in a barn, the café serves up traditional eggs and pancakes that will make you feel like you can take on a day on the range.  In Cranbrook, take advantage of the weekly Farmer’s Market held every Saturday morning for locally grown and made edibles and for a fine dining experience, make a reservation at Heidi’s, a favourite of the area. Their secret? The owners trained at the International Institute for Tourism and Management in Austria.

Sleep

If you’re lured to stay in the heart of the Rockies in Fernie, the Mt. Fernie Timberlodge ($385-449 per night) accommodates up to 10 travellers in an Alpine-style chalet. Weary from all that outdoor activity – guests can amble up a spiral staircase leading to the chalet’s treehouse with a hot tub with views of Mt. Fernie and Mt. Proctor.  For the final rest stop in Cranbrook, forget the highway motel strip and kick it up a notch with a stay at the luxe Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort. Ask for the John Huber Express ($599.95 per night), choosing from the Naughton or Newcastle staterooms, with décor and amenities inspired by luxury railway travel of the past.

Read

The perfect accompaniment for the Crowsnest Highway, which lies along a former Canadian train route, would be the classic writing of mystery maven Agatha Christie. Three novels feature a train theme, and can be easily found in paperback or audio book: Miss Marple in 4-50 From Paddington, and Hercule Poirot in The Mystery of the Blue Train and Murder on the Orient Express.

Hit the Road

Sometimes you need to get away from it all. These nearby destinations are the perfect escape from the city

By Kristina Urquhart

It's anchors aweigh on the Sunshine Coast, where a boat tours Sechelt Inlet. Photo by Tom Ryan courtesy Tourism British Columbia

Whistler

Car 2 hours
Train 3.5 hours via Rocky Mountaineer

The scenic Sea to Sky Highway winds from Vancouver to Whistler, a top-rated ski resort with plenty to do in the summer. Settle onto a sun-soaked patio to people-watch in the pedestrian-only village, relax with a massage at a world-class spa, tee up for golf on emerald fairways or navigate the vertiginous cliffs on a mountain bike. Don’t miss a ride on the 4.4-km- (2.7-mi-) long Peak 2 Peak Gondola; you’ll need to pick your jaw up off the glass-bottomed floor as the seemingly endless valley between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains stretches beyond. Halfway between Vancouver and Whistler lies Squamish—the recreation capital of Canada—so suit up for whitewater rafting, wind surfing, diving and rock climbing. A hike up the Stawamus Chief, the world’s second-largest granite monolith, yields panoramic views of Howe Sound. (more…)

The Great Outdoors

Wondering what to do on your Whistler vacation? Where has you covered on the hunt for sunny summer fun

By Jennifer Patterson

Ziplining through the trees with WildPlay Element Parks. Photo courtesy WildPlay Element Parks

Channel your inner daredevil with a ride on mountain bike jumps and runs in Skiers’ Plaza. If you’re looking for something a little more easygoing, rent a bike to explore smoother, less vertical terrain, as mountain biking is the summer sport here.
Harness your adventurous spirit and hop on the back of a 4×4 vehicle to join expert Michael Allen on a bear watching tour, including stops at favourite feeding sites and daybeds—don’t forget your camera! Channel John Wayne on your own trusty steed with a horseback ride through the wild countryside. Prefer horsepower to horses? Kick up some dust in the backcountry on a quad or dirt bike.
Feed your adrenaline rush with a free-falling plunge off a bungee jump. Slightly more sane individuals go ziplining through the trees. For the even saner, glass-bottomed cabins on two of the Peak 2 Peak Gondolas offer enough of a thrill—and don’t require harnesses.
Find your inner Zen master with a day of peace and tranquillity on the stunning golf courses and fish-filled rivers. For a quiet getaway, rent a canoe or kayak, don some life jackets and explore the pristine lakes. Nature enthusiasts breathe the crisp mountain air while hiking the meadows and trails surrounding Whistler.
Have your camera at the ready, as aerial sightseeing tours and helicopter rides provide snap-happy shutterbugs and sightseers the perfect opportunity to capture the sweeping panorama.
If you haven’t tired of the snow, strap on your skis and snowboards and head to the Horstman Glacier, open through July for sun-filled summer skiing.
For activities listings, click here.

Hot Shopping: Great Outdoors

The Osprey Raptor 10 is a versatile backpack available at Valhalla Pure Outfitters

’Tis the season to head outside. Didn’t come prepared for hiking or biking? No problem, just head to one of these shops: Mountain Equipment Co-op outfits locals in waterproof gear; Valhalla Pure Outfitters carries necessities such as backpacks with built-in water packs (including the Osprey Raptor 10, pictured); and North Face stocks cozy sleeping bags and sturdy shoes.—Jennifer Patterson

Spring into Spring!

Spring comes early in Victoria, bringing with it plenty of blossoms, blooms and other treats for the senses.

A blossoming city…
Arguably Victoria’s prettiest season, spring turns Victoria’s streets and boulevards into quite the blossoming affair, thanks to hundreds of spring-flowering trees.
Enjoy a stroll through the city’s historic streets, feed the ducks at Beacon Hill Park, or venture into the picturesque neighbouring communities of Fairfield and James Bay. Walkers from all over North America will enjoy the scenery April 15 to 17 when local Volkssport clubs host the Victoria Volkssport Phoenix Festival.

Hike these hills
The Capital Region is home to more than a few natural parks, excellent spots to get out and enjoy the fresh air, early spring wildflowers and breathtaking views of the city. Take an easy stroll through Oak Bay’s Anderson Hill Park, overlooking the water and Victoria Golf Course, drive or hike to the top of Saanich’s Mt. Douglas Park for a 360-degree view, or lace up for a good hike up Mill Hill Park in View Royal – renowned for its native flowers each spring.

Take a spin
Cover more ground on two wheels! Take in Victoria’s dynamic waterfront via the scenic Marine Drive, which will eventually connect you with the Lochside Trail, a 29km multi-use path along an old rail line, that travels out the Saanich Peninsula. Lochside also connects closer to town with the 55km Galloping Goose Trail, travelling west to Sooke.

Tee time
Greater Victoria enjoys an ideal climate for golf year-round but spring’s longer, drier days and mild temperatures are drawing more and more golfers to the local links. Olympic View and Bear Mountain offer unique 18-hole experiences, while Prospect Lake is an excellent nine-hole option.

Garden tours
Whether you prefer your gardens on a grand scale – like the world-famous Butchart Gardens – something more intimate, like Fairfield’s charming Abkhazi Garden, or something in-between, like the lovely gardens at Government House, Victoria is a gardener’s paradise. Glendale Gardens and Woodland, designed by gardeners for gardeners, is a must for green thumbs, while the University of Victoria’s Finnerty Gardens is a fine example of late-winter/early-spring beauty. Feeling a little more tropical? Take in the beautiful Victoria Butterfly Gardens, minutes from the Butchart Gardens.

– Jennifer Blyth

You Are Here: Deer Lake Park

This park combines art, heritage buildings and fun activities for the family

By Kendra Wong

Deer Lake Park lies in the heart of Burnaby. Photo by Marie Ishikawa

STATE OF THE ART
Learn about Burnaby’s history through paintings, sculpture and ceramics by local artists at 1 Burnaby Art Gallery and 2 Deer Lake Gallery. Catch Canadian pop rockers Hedley performing Sep. 11 in the amphitheatre at the 3 Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.

TIME TRAVEL
Travel back in time at the 4-hectare (10-acre) 4 Burnaby Village Museum, which educates people of all ages about urban villages using costumed townsfolk and real-life demonstrations. Take a leisurely ride on the old-fashioned carousel, or stop by the Burnaby Centennial to pick up themed candy, books and trinkets.

Qualicum Beach scallops at Hart House Restaurant. Photo by Hamid Attie

WHERE THE HART IS
Visit eight rustic houses for a hands-on experience of Canadian life in the 1920s. The Mathers House offers 20th-century art studios and a pottery-making store, or check out the 98-year-old Anderson House. One of the heritage houses currently functions as the elegant lakeside 5 Hart House Restaurant, serving Pacific Northwest fare.

FUN IN THE SUN
Get up close with turtles and beavers in a pedal boat, kayak or canoe from 6 Deer Lake Boat Rentals (604-839-3949). Search for rare birds, including great blue herons and bald eagles, in the wildlife-viewing tower, and photograph beautiful rhododendrons in Century Garden. Don’t forget your water bottle when venturing along one of the many hiking trails.

Drive eastward on Hastings Street and take Highway 1 east until exit 32. Or take the SkyTrain to Metrotown Station, then hop aboard the #144 SFU bus.

Hot Entertainment: High Point

Grab the guide Off the Beaten Path by Norman Watt and hit Vancouver's hiking trails

Even after years of hiking, it’s difficult for anyone to claim they’ve conquered every local trail. You can get one step closer with North Shore News columnist Norman Watt’s Off the Beaten Path (Harbour Publishing, $21.95), available at local bookstores. A hiking enthusiast’s guide to exploring the back hills, the book reveals 31 of the North Shore’s best-hidden trails and lookout points. Watt provides estimated hike times, terrain, maps and brief histories. Get your backpack and water bottle ready!—Kendra Wong

Hot Dining: Wonders of Whistler

Seared Qualicum Bay scallops with chorizo, Pemberton corn and mustard vinaigrette, at Araxi. Photo by Steve Li

Even if mountain biking, ziplining, hiking, bear watching and snowboarding on a glacier aren’t your thing, Whistler still has plenty to offer. The food alone is worth the two-hour drive, at much-lauded restaurants such as Araxi (pictured) and Bearfoot Bistro. Bring a camera—and an appetite.—Sheri Radford

20 Things We Love About Whistler

The gorgeous greens of Whistler Golf Club. Photo by John Henebry courtesy Tourism Whistler

1 Stunningly beautiful golf courses: there’s no better place to try for that elusive hole-in-one.
2 Skiing and snowboarding, even in the summer.
3 A leisurely hike through the mountains followed by a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
4 Flightseeing. The scenery is even more spectacular when seen from the sky.
5 The bustling Whistler Farmers’ Market, which carries produce fresh from nearby farms.
6 Hearing accents from around the world, from both visitors and locals.
7 The pedestrian-only village.
8 Enjoying a cold beer on a restaurant patio.
9 Enough events and festivals to keep you busy every day.
10 Wandering through the many art galleries.

Hikers walk by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Photo by Paul Morrison courtesy Tourism Whistler

11 Friendly locals eager to point a confused visitor in the right direction.
12 Flying through the trees—with the greatest of ease, of course—on a thrilling zipline adventure.
13 A once-in-a-lifetime train trip with Rocky Mountaineer.
14 Dining on award-winning cuisine at Araxi.
15 Guided bear tours with local bear researcher Michael Allen.
16 Discovering the rich heritage of the local First Nations at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
17 Gorgeous views. Whichever direction you turn, it looks like a postcard.
18 Buying fresh waffle cones overflowing with giant scoops of ice cream from Cows Whistler.
19 Shakin’ your groove thang at local nightclubs.
20 Anything and everything outdoors, from kayaking to fishing to mountain biking.

Go Play Outside

Bring a sense of adventure on these outdoor escapes

By Jennifer Patterson

No matter what type of activity you’re after, Where has you covered.
Daredevil cyclists barrel down the jumps and runs in Skiers’ Plaza. Looking for something not as reckless? Rent a bike to explore smoother, less vertical terrain, as mountain biking is the summer sport here.

Views abound on Whistler's biking and hiking trails. Photo by Toshi Kawano courtesy Tourism BC

Animal lovers feel at home on a dog sled as a team of huskies leads a snowy alpine ride. Hop in the back of a 4×4 vehicle and join expert Michael Allen on a bear watching tour, including stops at favourite feeding sites and daybeds—don’t forget your camera! Channel John Wayne on your own trusty steed with a horseback ride through the wild countryside. Prefer horsepower to horses? Kick up some dust in the backcountry on a quad or dirt bike.
Adrenaline junkies get their fix with a bungee jump, while slightly more sane individuals go ziplining through the trees. For the even saner, glass-bottomed cabins on two of the Peak 2 Peak Gondolas offer enough of a thrill—and don’t require harnesses.
Shutterbugs and sightseers, have your cameras at the ready: aerial sightseeing tours and helicopter rides provide the perfect opportunity to capture the sweeping panorama.
Those seeking peace and tranquillity need look no further than the stunning golf courses and fish-filled rivers. For a quiet getaway, rent a canoe or kayak, don some life jackets and explore the pristine lakes. Nature enthusiasts breath the crisp mountain air while hiking the meadows and trails surrounding Whistler.
Snow bunnies can still strap on skis and snowboards, as Horstman Glacier is open through July for sun-filled summer skiing.
For activities listings, click here.

Hot Shopping: Gear Up

High-performing, high-quality gear is available at Mountain Equipment Co-Op

With Canada’s rugged landscape, it’s little wonder one of our largest sporting equipment stores started in Vancouver. Find apparel and gear for every conceivable adventure, including watersports, cycling, skiing, climbing and hiking, at Mountain Equipment Co-Op, a local institution since 1971. The store stocks kayaks, luggage and backpacks (pictured), too.—Kristina Urquhart

Hot Entertainment: Up, Up and Away

The long-awaited Peak 2 Peak Gondola makes both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains easily accessible, and affords stunning views. Photo by Paul Morrison

The long-awaited Peak 2 Peak Gondola makes both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains easily accessible, and affords stunning views. Photo by Paul Morrison

Hop aboard the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which ferries 4,100 people per hour across 4.4 km (2.73 mi), connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The speedy 11-minute ride creates one playground out of two for total access to mountaintop dining, a wealth of hiking trails and a staggering 200-plus ski runs for snow worshippers. Behold the behemoth.—Kristina Urquhart