Sometimes a little R & R is in order, even if a big vacation abroad isn’t. Being in the midst of buying or selling can be an especially stressful time, or simply long days at work with little time at home can put one over the top. Why not treat yourself to a Staycation? Doing something just for you once in awhile can clear the cobwebs and rejuvenate for a higher quality of life and better productivity. Here are a few of our favourite staycations in the lower mainland:

1. Enjoy a leisurely a bike ride around Stanley Park. Pack a picnic, stop in at the aquarium, and take in the magnificent views. The 11km seawall winds around the park, giving you 360 degree views of the harbour, mountains, downtown and west and north shores. Getting in touch with nature combined with exercise will boost those endorphins and have you refreshed in no time. Bike rentals available.

2. Continue the tourist in your own town adventure with a Geocaching adventure. Using your GPS, you’ll go on a “treasure hunt” for hidden ‘cashes’ all around the Greater Vancouver Area. The idea is to get to know your city while looking for these hidden stashes, of which there are reportedly over 4,000 of in Vancouver! We recommend stopping in at La Casa Gelato as your reward. With over 218 flavours of gelato made on site, you could spend an entire afternoon sampling alone.

3. If you’re in the mood for something a little more low-key, why not re-discover Granville Island. Indulge in a night at the recently-renovated Granville Island Hotel. Featuring plush accommodations and the delectable Dockside Restaurant, you’re free to roam the island’s wealth of artisanal offerings from and even take in a yoga class with views of False Creek before settling in for the night.

4. Discover Deep Cove. From lush parks and trails to kayaking and cultural events, this little oasis is a short, twenty-minute drive from North Van. Known as “The Cove” to locals, this hidden gem at the foot of Mt. Seymour feels a million miles away from the city; perfect for a day trip away from reality.

5. For an extensive day trip worth the ferry ride, Salt Spring Island boasts being one of the warmest places in Canada during these long winter months. With a plethora of artists’ studios, spa options, and restaurants, this tiny island will enchant you to come back again and again.

Any hidden gem getaways we missed? Share in the comments below!

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_)