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.

Family Day isn’t necessarily just for families. It’s a much-needed stat holiday during the bleak days of winter that turns an ordinary Monday in February into your best chance to relax and recharge. Here are the top five ways to stretch the most amount of fun out of your three-day weekend.

1. Both Whistler and Grouse Mountain are offering 50% off for BC residents. Head up the Sea-to-Sky for some of North America’s best skiing, the Fire and Ice Show, tubing, and luxury accommodations. Stick closer to home but still get the best in winter activities--from boarding and snowshoeing, to sliding and skating--at Grouse Mountain. For the full schedule of special Family Day events happening, visit Whistlerblackcomb.com and Grousemountain.com.

2. Sip your way to decadence at the 6th annual Hot Chocolate Festival, happening through February 15th. 25 participants showcasing 59 crazy flavours are taking part to support the downtown eastside’s Women’s Job Training Program. Get your walking map here, and let the indulgence begin!

3. Have littles? Community centers around the lower mainland are hosting various Family Day activities. With everything from arts and crafts to bouncy castles and more, there’ll be something for every tyke. Check with your neighbourhood centres for a schedule of events.

4. The Bloedel Conservatory is one of the city’s best, little known gems. Tropical forests and flowers, over 200 free-flying birds, and the healing gardens designed to engage your senses for total well-being beckon from the top of Queen Elizabeth Park.

5. Unplug and Unwind. Put aside your smartphones, tablets, and power down those computers for one day of true R & R. Business can wait out one stat holiday, your family is hopefully with you anyway, and friends are just an old-fashioned phone call away. Make screentime a dirty word for the day and reconnect with true facetime.

Wishing you all a very Happy Family Day from the Andrew Hasman team.

(Photo: Mark Burge)

We’ve been having some glorious weather lately, and spring break is around the corner, so we thought we’d compile a list of fun things to do around town for anyone planning a Staycation, or just looking inspiration.

1. Twilight Drive-In
This is Metro-Vancouver’s only drive-in movie theatre, and it will be a fun experience to have with the family. Each vehicle is entitled to one parking space, but they are large enough to fit two. That means you can cozy up with blankets and lawn chairs outside your vehicle too!

2. The Museum of Anthropology
Of course we know the Vancouver Art Gallery, but let’s not forget the MOA! Aside from housing a world of arts and cultures, it has a special emphasis on the First Nations cultures of BC so that you can learn about some of BC’s cultural roots all in one go. Not only that, but enjoy the outside surroundings of West Coast panoramic views, too!

3. FlyOver Canada
If you’re still looking for the feel of a destination getaway, pop into FlyOver Canada at Canada Place. FlyOver Canada incorporates state-of-the-art technology where you get to experience 4D suspended in a 20m spherical screen! Adventure on a virtual journey over Canada from coast to coast. Don’t forget to explore the rest of Canada Place, as it offers other exhibits and spectacular views, as well!

Perhaps you’re looking for fun activities for your kids? We have that covered, too.

1. Arts Umbrella
The Arts Umbrella have Spring Break Programs where children and youths have fun learning about theatre, dance, and visual media arts through hands-on activities. They will have the opportunity to focus on creative learning without the pressure of their regular school work.

2. Pear Tree Education
Conveniently located in the West Side, Pear Tree also offers a Spring Break program. Their focus is for children to spend more time out of the classroom to experience education outside the box. Pear Tree believes in connecting education to real life! They will learn a variety of skills including leadership, teamwork, technology, public speaking, and critical thinking on top of the main subjects they receive in school.

3. Grouse Mountain
With Grouse Mountain’s Spring and Summer Adventure Camps, kids and youth get to play with nature starting from the base of the mountain all the way to the peak. They will get to try their hands with a Bungee run, learn survival skills in the outdoors, learn about environmental awareness and wildlife biology, hike, ice skate, and more!

And if this list doesn’t inspire you, take a look at Bored in Vancouver --they have their finger on the pulse when it comes to having a good time in and around Vancouver!

Happy Staycation!

(Photo: flickr.com/_benanderson_)