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.

If you’re looking for a last-minute getaway this Labour Day, we’ve got a few of British Columbia’s most luxurious spots on our hot list of places to visit. The short travel distance means more time to hit the spa, lounge, and dine.

Sonora Resort

Accessible via helicopter or seaplane from Vancouver, or a water taxi from Campbell River, Sonora Resort’s secluded nature ensures a true “getaway from it all” atmosphere. From the welcome drink upon arrival to the luxurious spa and accommodations, the only rival to this beauty is the breathtaking, pristine nature of the surroundings that awaits you. Feeling adventurous? Guided salmon fishing, grizzly bear and helicopter glacier tours are available.

Echo Valley Ranch and Spa

Just a few hours northeast of Vancouver in Jesmond, BC lies Echo Valley Ranch. 160 acres of ranchland offers up horseback riding, hiking, biking and fishing before a night’s rest in one of their well-appointed rooms or private cabins. Serving up luxury dining, family style from their own organic garden and farm game, Echo Valley’s dining experience is one-of-a-kind.

Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat

Miles away from civilization, the Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat on Vancouver Island is grown-up camping at its best. Their luxury tents feature full ensuite bathrooms with heated floors and opulent decor. Choose from hot springs, a day at the spa, or various wilderness adventures and finish off with 5-star dining to complete this “camping” excursion like no other.

Poets Cove Resort and Spa

Tucked in the southern end of Pender Island, Poets Cove Resort and Spa is the quintessential west coast accommodation, featuring a private marina and unique spa treatments. Relax in either their private villas, cottages, or lodge rooms and spend your afternoons being pampered at the spa or out on the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

There’s nothing like the Sea to Sky drive to Whistler on a beautiful, BC day. It may not be slope season, but Whistler is still a divine spot for some R+R. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler at the base of Blackcomb Mountain is what you’d come to expect from the luxe Fairmont family of hotels. Expect world-class service, plush rooms, and high tea.

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Photo: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

With an abundance of beautiful courses scattered across the Lower Mainland, it’s hard to narrow it down, but we’ve done our best to choose just five with exemplary characteristics. From private clubs to public courses, these are anything but par for the course.

University Golf Club

A luxurious public course amid old-growth forest, the University Golf Club has 10-minute tee time intervals for a leisurely experience. It also features a 1,600 sq ft retail space that stocks premiere gear and the latest products for golf lovers of all levels. Only a short drive from the city by UBC, it offers a private country club vibe. The original clubhouse is now home to the BC Golf Museum.

Furry Creek Golf and Country Club

Along the famed Sea-to-Sky Highway, Furry Creek is a full 18-hole public course offering panoramic ocean views and the occasional encounter with indigenous wildlife. Warm up at the two hitting nets and putting green on your way to the first hole, aptly named “The Drop Zone”.

The Redwoods Golf Course

Surrounded by panoramic views of the coastal mountains, Redwoods is a Ted Locke-designed championship course just 30 minutes outside Vancouver in Langley. Extensive amenities including practice facilities, driving range, lessons, golf shop and a licensed restaurant.

Nicklaus North Whistler

This award-winning course prides itself on guest services, exceptional course conditioning, and features the largest clubhouse in Whistler. Designed to complement the area’s natural habitat, Nicklaus North bares the name of the pro himself to underscore the exceptional experience one would expect.

Northview Golf & Country Club

With an international reputation, Northview’s claim-to-fame is its two courses, designed by legendary Arnold Palmer. The championship Ridge and Canal courses are accompanied by the Academy, home to Canadian PGA and LPGA golf pros ready to help you master the game on the same courses used as practice facilities for the PGA tour.

What’s your favourite course in the Lower Mainland? Share with us!

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.

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