Staycation series: Finding your outdoor playground in Vancouver

by Bianca Bujan

From sea to sky, B.C. is an outdoor playground for nature lovers, the province rich with destinations and activities fit for everyone. Whether you’re looking to stay at a secluded lakeside lodge, or enjoy nature and namaste with a wellness weekend just outside the city, these staycation ideas should help you plan the perfect — and safe — summer getaway amidst a global pandemic.

 

For family fun: Harrison Hot Springs

Only an hour-and-a-half drive from downtown Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs is easily accessible from the city, yet it feels miles away. Stay at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and enjoy a dip in one of the hot mineral springs pools, or for a more secluded stay, check out the new Lodge on Harrison Lake, which offers a private beach and boat dock, and lots of space for larger families. A bit outside of town, the Sandpiper Resort features rustic or luxury cabins by the river, and easy access to an on-site golf course and guided fishing trips that leave just steps from your door.

There’s lots to do in this lovely lakeside town to keep your family busy. Hike the Hicks Lake Loop, or take a stroll along Spirit Trail and find dozens of decorated cedar masks hidden along the way. Bike the windy country rounds on the Circle Farm Tour, or search for Sasquatch along the Sasquatch Trail. Harrison is also a hot spot for fun on the water, with a wild floating water park, bumper boats, and Sea-Do rentals. For younger kids, the protected sandy beach and waterfront playground is the perfect spot for a picnic and fun in the sun.

 

For a couple trip: Vernon

When it comes to finding romance and relaxation, Vernon may not be top-of-mind for many Vancouverites, but Sparkling Hill Resort — a world-class wellness spa (the only one of its kind found in North America) found atop the sloping valleys of Vernon and overlooking Okanagan Lake — is the ideal spot to find both.

Melt away summer stress with a soak in the heated outdoor infinity pool. Harness the healing powers of the Kneipp walk — an ancient form of hydrotherapy that involves walking through a series of knee-deep hot and cold pools, said to relieve poor circulation, cure insomnia and help with joint pains. Take a turn at the on-site aromatherapy steam and sauna rooms, and then enjoy a dreamy night’s sleep in one of the spacious suites that are decorated with sparkling Swarovski crystals — a nod to the patriarch of the crystal family who owns the property.

With an award-winning on-site restaurant that serves a variety of farm-to-table fare, there’s no need to leave the property. Just sit back, relax and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

 

For a wellness weekend: Bowen Island

Start your wellness weekend by taking a few moments to give back to your community. Donating blood is a selfless way to give patients in need the possibility of a stronger tomorrow — and donating blood to ensure someone else’s wellness is a great way to feel good yourself. The blood donation process is simple, and about an hour of your time could save someone’s life. With 24 locations around the Greater Vancouver Area, there’s likely to be a stop on your way, and booking an appointment is easy.

Then, head on your way to Bowen Island. The waterside coves and trail-top lookouts are reason enough to visit the beautiful seaside town of Bowen Island, found only a short 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, but a visit to Nectar is the best way to wind down with a weekend of wellness away from the city.

On site, you’ll find a row of cozy A-frame cabins to rest your head, available in various sizes to accommodate a solo stay, or a getaway with a group of friends. Wake up to a homemade vegetarian breakfast (included with your stay) made using local ingredients, and then stroll down to the geodesic dome where you can find your inner ohm through a series of yoga sessions that are sure to stretch out your tired muscles and leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Press pause, retreat into nature and unplug for the ultra-wellness retreat, or mix it up with a little outing to browse the quaint local shops. Or take a hike around Crippen Park, and then grab a cup of coffee and indulge in a freshly-baked goody while taking in the beauty of Bowen from a waterfront patio.

 

Bianca Bujan is an award-winning travel writer with bylines in Lonely Planet, Food & Wine, Canadian Geographic, Chatelaine, WestJet Magazine, The Globe & Mail, and others. She is also the Editor for WestCoast Families magazine. When she's not off on a new adventure or sharing stories of her travels, Bianca is exploring the outdoors with her family on BC’s North Shore where she calls home. For more travel inspiration follow her at bitsofbee.com, or on Instagram @bitsofbee.