You won’t have to travel far this winter to indulge in some of the best winter escapes that BC has to offer. If you’re thinking of listing your Mt. Pleasant house or condo for sale soon, now is the time to indulge in a little R and R before the packing begins.

The Best Winter Adventure in Whistler

Kick your ski trip up a notch with Whistler Heli-Skiing. Expect breath-taking views and heart-stopping slopes as you experience 432,000 acres of vast mountain terrain including 173 glaciers. With 475 runs to choose from ensuring no snowboarding or skiing run will be the same, an experienced team to guide you, and freedom from the daily grind; what more could you ask for to beat those winter blues away?

World Class Luxury in Tofino

If fresh local culinary delights with 240 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, an afternoon of indulgence at the Ancient Cedars Spa, and world class accommodations are more your style, it’s time to visit the Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino. Check in to a fireplace-warmed suite and enjoy Storm Season in one of BC’s most beautiful spots, celebrating “20 years of rustic elegance on nature’s edge.”

The Best Friends Getaway at Grouse Mountain

Grab your favourite group of people and head up the mountain for the Grouse Mountain Snowshoe Fondue. Reservations are required for this private snowshoe tour, which includes an experienced guide, your rental, and an après snowshoeing fondue in Altitudes Bistro. With cheese, broth, and chocolate courses, this social dining experience on the peak of the North Shore is the perfect antidote to dreary weather days.

Find Whole Body Health at Sparkling Hills Resort

Just north of Kelowna, BC lies the European-inspired wellness resort Sparkling Hills. The world’s first and only Swarovski Crystal (3.5 million crystals adorn the property) hotel, the first class escape offers up fresh fine dining, stunning views of the Okanagan Valley, and a holistic health spa. KurSpa features 7 crystal-infused steam and saunas, several pools and a vast wellness spa menu.

So whether you’re planning to list, or buying real estate in the Mt. Pleasant area, these winter destination gems are just a hop, skip, and short plane or car ride away. Just a few of the reasons we love beautiful BC so much as your Vancouver real estate experts.

Besides the beautiful scenery, happening cultural scene and healthy lifestyle that makes our city so covetable, annual traditions like Dine Out Vancouver January 20th - February 5th is what makes Vancouver real estate so hot. We love this particular tradition that allows us to taste and savour some of the best cuisine the Lower Mainland has to offer, for all budgets and palates. Did you recently buy a home in Mt. Pleasant? You’re in for a treat: here’s our favourite Dine Out options right on your doorstep.

Vegetarian Restaurant Acorn’s Fresh Offering For Dine Out Vancouver

One of Scout Magazine’s Top 25 Restaurants of 2016, award-winning Acorn offers up seasonal vegetarian plates and cocktails in a fashionable atmosphere. Check out their special Dine Out menu here, and don’t forget to book ahead! Space is limited, but the service makes up for it. 3995 Main St.

Grab a Pint and Dine Out at the Historic Steel Toad Brew Pub

Limited seating is never an option at the Steel Toad Brew Pub & Dining Hall. The 200 seat pub and adjacent 75 seat restaurant beside the Olympic Village may be large, but this converted steel fabricating plant isn’t short on fresh pints, good food, and pleasant staff. Book now for your hearty Dine Out experience. 97 East 2nd Ave.

Chicha Serves Up Peruvian Fare with Flair

Small share plates and a casual modern ambiance epitomize the creative flavours inspired by Peruvian culture at Chicha. Named after the popular purple corn, spices, pineapple and citrus Peruvian drink, the Chicha Morado, Chicha is the quintessential Date Night place, sure to become your go-to place for good eats in a fun atmosphere. Their Dine Out menu does not disappoint. 136 East Broadway.

Exotic Flavours from the Far East Spice Up Date Night

East is East, Chai Lounge captures the vibrant energy of the ancient Silk Road and its colourful eateries (dhabba’s) and vendors. The East side’s locale of this Vancouver institution’s extensive Dine Out menu of diverse flavours including gluten-free and vegetarian options. 4433 Main St.

For more Mt. Pleasant restaurants participating in Dine Out Vancouver, see their official site. Enticed to check out the neighbourhood? As your east side realty experts, we’re always available for a consultation.

Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president, Dan Morrison, summed up 2016 best, saying it was “an eventful year for real estate in Metro Vancouver.” While it was Metro Vancouver’ housing market’s third highest selling year behind 2015 and 2005 with sales totaling 39,943; 2016 still ended on an uncertain note.

“As prices rose in the first half of the year, public debate waged about what was fuelling demand and what should be done to stop it. This led to multiple government interventions into the market. The long-term effects of these actions won’t be fully understood for some time.” said Morrison. He went on to say, “The supply of homes for sale couldn’t keep up with the homebuyer demand for much of 2016. This allowed home sellers to raise their asking price. It wasn’t until the last half of the year that prices began to show modest declines.”

2016 topped out at $897,600 as the benchmark price for all residential properties. This was with only a 2.2% decrease through the latter half of the year, yet still a 17.8% increase compared to December 2015. December’s sales alone were 8.1% below the 10-year average for the month.

Vancouver Real Estate Statistics Report December 2016:

Total December Sales: 1,714

39.4% decrease from December 2015
22.6% decrease from November 2016
8.1% below the 10 year average

New Listings (detached, attached, and apartment): 1,312

35.1% decrease from December 2015
58.3% decrease from November 2016

Total Active listings on MLS®: 6,345

5.3% increase from December 2015
24.3% decrease from November 2016

Benchmark price for a detached property is $1,483,500

18.6% increase from December 2015
1.8% decrease from November 2016

Detached property sales totaled 541

52.4% decrease from December 2015

Benchmark price for an apartment property is $510,300

17.3% increase from December 2015
0.3% increase from November 2016

Apartment property sales totaled 915

25.3% decrease from December 2015

Benchmark price for an attached unit is $661,800

20.4% increase from December 2015
0.8% decrease from November 2016

Attached property sales totaled 258

44.6% decrease from December 2015

If you’re interested in seeing the complete breakdown, visitrebgv.org for all of the detailed comparisons. Want some advice on how your home fits in? Call us for a consultation today!

*REBGV Editor’s Note:  Areas covered by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.

Tis the season to pack up and head for Vancouver’s best slopes. Whether you’re looking to get fit as one of your New Year’s resolutions or simply want to breathe in the crisp mountain air, three of BC’s finest hills for hitting the powder are right in our backyard. So if you’re new to the city or looking to reacquaint yourself, break out the wax, don your winter duds and grab our guide to decipher which peak is for you.  

The View: Grouse Mountain

Standing guard over our shores is undoubtedly one of Vancouver’s top tourist attractions. Grouse Mountain also happens to offer skiers incomparable views from the slopes and the best part: 14 of their 26 runs are open for night skiing from 4pm - 10pm. Take in panoramic views of Vancouver’s glittering lights and the Pacific Ocean from the gentle slope of The Cut at sunset for an unforgettable experience. Day group and private lessons are also available for beginners.

Snowboard Heaven: Cypress Mountain

Cypress Mountain’s claim-to-fame is host to the 2010 Winter Games’ snowboard half-pipe event. Offering three mountains of varied terrain only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, The District is where you’ll find the experienced boarders while beginners and experimenters appreciate the airbag safety net at Patio Park. Skiers will enjoy 53 downhill runs to choose from, including Vancouver’s highest vertical along with the Top Gun mogul challenge. There’s also a Nordic Area featuring snowshoeing and cross country trails, and a tubing park.

The Contender: Mt Seymour

200 acres of snowboard and skiing terrain featuring 40 trails make Mt. Seymour a serious contender for great local winter mountain sports this side of the Sea-to-Sky highway. The multi-purpose mountain also has a tube park, tobogganing hill, snowshoeing and lessons available for all ages. Several of Mt. Seymour’s runs are open for night skiing if you’re craving an exhilarating ride after work.

Keep in mind it’s always a good idea to have a solid set of winter tires on your vehicle before heading up the mountain. Shuttles are available as well and more detailed information can be found on each destination’s website.

image credit: By CanucksWhitecaps (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons