Fragrant, spring days, followed by dazzling, warm, summer ones, herald a season of celebration in British Columbia. The western province, particularly in Vancouver and Vancouver Island, offers a banquet of new attractions and special events. From innovative museums and resplendent garden festivities to intriguing wilderness excursions and new, luxury resorts, it promises to be a sizzling warm-weather season in BC.
The uniqueness of the western province is in it’s diversity and natural wonders. There is cosmopolitan Vancouver, rugged mountain backcountry, hillsides of vineyards, laid-back small towns, and a scenic coastline. British Columbia offers the full getaway picture for everyone, from adventure-lovers and spa-goers to golfers and families finding their holiday niche.
The first must-do is the Vancouver Suspension Bridge where the action is in the evergreens. The Treetops Adventure sees non-vertigo sufferers venture along 200 meters of walkway strung throughout the trees for an eagle’s eye view of this verdant green space. Dare to traverse the wood-and-cable bridge that hangs seventy meters above a rushing river and steep canyon. Now, the multi-functional park that also boasts totem poles, interpretative walks, gift store and restaurant, adds this swaying walk amid lofty evergreens as well as the new ‘Cliffhanger Walk’ that borders the canyon’s edge. (www.capbridge.com)
And then there’s fabulous Vancouver Island. Victoria, on the southern tip, is a must-visit with its heritage sites, gorgeous Inner Harbour setting, and magnificent gardens. The Royal British Columbia Museum will be presenting Eternal Egypt : Masterworks of Ancient Art from the British Museum from July 10 – October 31. And a stroll through the 100-year-old Butchart Gardens, the twenty-two-hectare bloom-adorned, beauty spot just north of the city, is simply divine.
Soothing spa treatments are nothing new in this part of the world. Vancouver Island boasts a Spa Trail that begins in the deluxe Willow Stream Spa at Victoria’s Fairmont Empress Hotel (www.fairmont.com) and follows up the island visiting four spas, including the decadent yet down-to-earth Kingfisher Lodge and Spa in Courtenay. Experience thalassotherapy at the new Pacific Mist Hydropath at the Kingfisher Spa which features massaging waterfalls and sandstone-sculpted seawater and mineral pools (www.kingfisherspa.com). The tour ends at the Ancient Cedars Spa at the Wickaninnish Inn on the west coast. (www.wickinn.com)
On the east coast, the shoreline community of Parksville brings forth the luxury of the Aquaterre Spa. Secluded at the water’s edge of Vancouver Island’s Craig Bay, the Aquaterre Spa is nestled within the world class resort property, Pacific Shores Resort & Spa. This waterfront paradise features botanical gardens, outdoor ponds, and spectacular scenery. As one of Aviawest Properties, you are guaranteed a pampering, sea-inspired experience (www.pacific-shores.com).
One last hidden gem that must not be overlooked, is the tiny little town of Sooke, located about forty-five minutes north of Victoria. But don’t blink, you will have passed this obscure town and the ingeniously designed Sooke Harbour House. The food is prepared for a very spoiled palate and the twenty-eight rooms in this little piece of heaven are richly decorated with antiques, unique amenities such as hand-crafted ceramic basins, and original west coast paintings and sculpture. And here you don’t have to go to the spa, the spa comes to you, right to your room! (www.sookeharbourhouse.com)
It is absolutely essential to explore British Columbia, if nothing else then for the 100% pure, unadulterated hospitality. Whether you ski Whistler and stay at the magnificent Fairmont Chateau Whistler or stay at The Kingfisher Resort and Spa and hike Mount Washington, you will always have exquisite pictures to add to your album and an unforgettable experience to take home with you.
July/August 2004
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