Reading Week is my favourite time to get away with my friends and relax, before the stress of finals hits! The weather is (finally!) warming up, making it a great time to get out into nature. Don’t have any plans for the break yet? Here are some of my favourite adventures around Vancouver, for your consideration.
1. Whistler
Not quite ready to say goodbye to snow? Lucky for you, Whistler is a winter wonderland! Riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is great way to check out those alpine views. There’s also tons of great skiing and snowboarding, if that’s your thing! I, on the other hand, had never done any winter sports before my first trip to Whistler. The ice rink in the Olympic Village is beginner-friendly, making it the perfect spot to try skating for the first time. Even though I managed to fall while holding onto a skating aid, I had a fun time laughing about it with my friends. Feeling adventurous? I tried bungee jumping into the glacier-fed Cheakamus River but after seeing my friends fall to their impending doom, I quickly learned it was not for me. Just looking for some rest & relaxation? Whistler has a plethora of pubs, coffee shops and fine dines offering a vibrant village life.
2. Victoria
Fancy the island life? Just a ferry ride away, Victoria is my go-to stop for a short and sweet trip. I love strolling along the charming and historic Inner Harbor and stopping at the Fisherman’s Wharf to soak in the ocean views. I had the best tropical fruit juice ever from a small food truck right in front of the Fairmont Hotel on the pier. Butchart Gardens is another one of my favourite spots, with their wide variety of flowers – yes, there are flowers in bloom in February!
3. Tofino
Looking to experience the rugged west coast? Tofino is the place to be! It’s my go-to spot to watch the sun sink over the ocean on a secluded beach away from the world and all your worries. Think that sounds a little boring? Think again! Tofino has world-class surfing; the adrenaline rush from riding the waves is so addictive! Being so close to the ocean, Tofino has some of the best seafood I’ve ever eaten. Planning ahead is super important, especially because BC can have very volatile weather during February. I always check the weather and road conditions before heading out on any adventure, but especially when passing through areas with no network coverage!
I have had the time of my life visiting all these places with my friends and making new memories. I would love to hear your favourite places to go on nearby adventures in the comments below!
