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.

Sunshine Coast

Ferry 40 minutes from West Vancouver; 50 minutes from Lower to Upper Sunshine Coast via BC Ferries
Floatplane 20 minutes via Harbour Air

What’s in a name? This region, north of Vancouver on BC’s mainland, definitely delivers on its promise of vitamin D. Sun-soaked communities along the coast call for relaxation with placid monikers such as Halfmoon Bay and Desolation Sound. Famous for the cafe Molly’s Reach, site of TV’s The Beachcombers, the picturesque marina and pier at Gibsons makes for a lovely walk. Northward, the village of Sechelt teems with farmers’ markets and art galleries. Kayakers revel in the sheltered bays nearby. Paddle through pretty Smuggler Cove, known for its storied history as a storage area for US-bound bootleg liquor during Prohibition. With its rugged terrain, the Sunshine Coast is accessible only by ferry or plane. Now that’s getting away from it all.

The Islands

Ferry 1.5 hours to Victoria, 1–2.5 hours to Gulf Islands via BC Ferries
Floatplane 30 minutes via Harbour Air

Victoria, the provincial capital, lies on the southern point of Vancouver Island. Picture-perfect photo ops line the Inner Harbour, from BC’s Parliament Buildings to the ivy-covered Fairmont Empress Hotel, where you can pay homage to the Queen with afternoon tea. Equally majestic: the 22 hectares (55 acres) of nearby Butchart Gardens. Further afield on the western edge of Vancouver Island, wind-whipped beaches ensconce Tofino, a pristine place for surfing and diving. Sunsets are nothing short of spectacular there. Markets and quaint shops mix with laid-back locals on the Gulf Islands, nestled between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Find artisan cheeses, pottery and jewellery at the popular Saturday Market on Salt Spring Island, or retreat to Galiano or Mayne island for a relaxing afternoon.

Seattle's Space Needle tower, a legacy from the 1962 World's Fair, appeared in the movie Sleepless in Seattle and the TV show Grey's Anatomy. Photo copyright EKash/istockphoto.com

Okanagan Valley

Car 5 hours to Kelowna

Load up on sunscreen for a trip to BC’s interior, where you can find Canada’s only desert region, in Osoyoos. From here north to Kelowna, tall mountains give way to rolling foothills dotted with vineyards, as the dry air and hot temperatures make an ideal environment for growing grapes. Swish, swirl and sip at a winery tour and tasting before ordering a case of vino from a big-name label such as Mission Hill Family Estate or an smaller vintner like Laughing Stock Vineyards. When not learning your Riesling from your Rosé, swing your clubs at one of Kelowna’s 18 golf courses or cool off at the many beaches surrounding the massive Okanagan Lake.

Seattle

Car 2.5 hours
Train 4.5 hours via Amtrak

One look at the umbrella-toting, recreation-happy locals in this friendly locale and you might mistake seaside Seattle for Vancouver’s American sister. Presiding over the city is the futuristic Space Needle; ride up the tower for 360-degree views. For a perfect afternoon activity, stroll through Pike Place Market with a cup of java from the original Starbucks in hand. The marketplace stalls burst with bright flowers, epicurean delights and artisan wares, but the always-entertaining fishmongers remain the most colourful of all. Come evening, make like TV’s Frasier Crane and enjoy a fine Pacific Northwest wine while overlooking Elliott Bay.