Far from the Monday - Friday grind that usually populates your To Do list, try one or a combination of our long weekend must-do’s in celebration of BC Day Monday, August 1st.

R + R Starts Here

Indulge in Patio Season! We rounded up our favourite summer outdoor dining spots in a recent post, and there’s something for everyone on the list. From chill late night eateries featuring the best in west coast cuisine to people-watching meccas and patios showcasing views for miles, you could spend all weekend dining outdoors.

To Be or Not To Be

Get your culture on at Western Canada’s premiere Shakespeare festival and catch a show at Bard on the Beach in Vanier Park. With breathtaking sunset water and mountain views behind the main stage, you’ll never experience anything else like it. On the programme for this year is The Merry Wives of Windsor, Romeo and Juliet, Othello and Pericles.

Sip Your Way to Satisfaction

Play tourist in your own town the grown-up way with the Craft Beer ‘n Bites Tour. Hosted by Vancouver Food Tour which was founded by Local Entrepreneur of the Year 2011, Melody Fury, you’ll sip your way through Gastown’s craft beer scene tasting the best on tap paired with carefully selected nibbles. You’ll discover hidden gems while learning about beer’s history and aspects of the brewing process.

Light up the Night

The annual Celebration of Light wraps up on Saturday, July 30th with an amazing spectacle of fireworks by the USA. Sponsored by Honda, the celebration features more than just fireworks. There’s also the Shorefest Sunset Beach live music festival and The Stanley Park Brewing Sunsetter Lounge to enjoy a few cold ones while waiting for the light show to begin. Check out their website for transportation and other tips.

Spa-aah

Escape to the Scandinave Spa in Whistler where silence is embraced as the key to the success of finding one’s inner stillness for total relaxation. This 20,000 square foot Nordic day spa is known for its outdoor thermal baths and Thai yoga massage. Re-energize by alternating between warm and cool with the waterfall baths, steam rooms, saunas, and showers before chilling in the hammocks by the outdoor fireplace with beautiful mountain vista views and Whistler Blackcomb’s valleys to keep you company.

What’s your favourite way to play this long weekend? Share on our Facebook page!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and nothing says “I love you” better than time spent together. The lower mainland is not in short supply of spas, but the following top our list for their unique offerings specially tailored to couples. So relax, enjoy, and reconnect with what matters most: the heart of your home, your partner. Box of chocolates optional.

1. The Scandinave Spa in Whistler is renowned for its Scandinavian bath spa experience that is included with every massage. Whether you’re already enjoying time on the hill or making it a day trip, their Duo Massage with hydrotherapy is the perfect way to unwind.

2. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 spas, Spa Utopia at the Pan Pacific Vancouver offers an extensive massage therapy menu, esthetics, and even a salon. Truly relax with your special someone by extending your treatment to indulge in the hotel’s outdoor saltwater pool. Available to spa guests, it features picturesque views of the harbour and North Shore mountains.

3. The award winning Spa Wedgewood in the heart of downtown features a Duet Harmony Massage that can include a hybrid of Deep Tissue, Swedish, and Aromatic massage. Staying at the Wedgewood Hotel? In-Suite and After Hours massages are available as well.

4. Part of the Fairmont family, the Willow Stream Spa is synonymous with luxury. The Pacific Rim’s spa has a designated couples’ room with deep Japanese Zen tub and a variety of uniquely Canadian services, like the Van Active Body treatment should you be in need of recovery after the city’s variety of active offerings.

5. For a truly decadent experience, traveler’s choice Pemberton Valley Lodge is offering a Blissful Couples’ Getaway package. It featuring a massage for two, one-night accommodation, early check-in and relaxed check-out time, champagne, chocolate, and a long-stemmed rose as the finishing touch.

Any hidden gem spas that should’ve been on our list? Let us know!