Attractions - Day Trips

In praise of the west coast daytrip: within a matter of hours, travellers can find themselves schussing down snowy slopes, lazing lakeside in the Okanagan or cruising through open markets on the islands.

At its best, travel is the chance to create an orderly schedule and a carefully defined list of must-see attractions, which, once you’ve arrived, can be crumpled up and left under the passenger seat. Knowing the lay of the land is always helpful, but vacations are meant to be times when the Emersonian virtue of Whim takes over and well-laid plans get left in the dust. (If this seems a typical West Coast sentiment, remember Emerson was from Massachusetts.) British Columbia’s “lotus land” reputation may be mild slander — but if it grants visitors permission to go with the flow, so much the better. What follows are samples of five of the province’s nearby destinations and a variety of suggestions meant to inspire and incite your inner wanderer. Not all who wander are lost, as the bumper stickers say, so allow yourself to stray into whatever pleasures lure you and linger as long as you like. Vacations are too short for schedules.

SELECTED DAYTRIPS:

Gulf Islands »
Whatever your speed — sea kayaking among orcas, touring around a local artist market or relaxing fireside — there’s a Gulf Island to suit.

The Okanagan »
Wineries and other distractions await in the Okanagan.

Tofino & The Cowichan »
With rolling hills that are home to artisanal cheesemakers, organic producers, farmgate wineries and even an authentic cidery, the Cowichan Valley and Tofino are destinations for flocks of foodies.

Victoria »
Double-decker buses, centuries-old buildings and afternoon tea with scones: Victoria is for history buffs and anglophiles alike.

Whistler-Blackcomb »
Others come close, but few resort towns match what Whistler-Blackcomb can offer: world-class alpine recreation in a spectacular setting.

Editor’s Choice

BATSTAR KAYAKING TRIPS

It’s a little like a floating luxe hotel, so long as you’re down with sleeping bags and tents. Batstar’s kayaking trips of the Broken Group Islands and other waterways take the stress out of planning a sea kayak excursion. They’ll provide the gear — kayaks, tents, sleeping bags, Therm-a-Rests — they’ll cook the food (think coconut curry chicken, fresh-roasted coffee), and guide you through some pretty spectacular two to 10 day excursions. And you’ll never be forced to endure a rollicking sea that’s beyond your comfort level. “If we’re in conditions where our wine’s going to have problems,” explains co-owner Blake Johnson “we don’t go out.”

Batstar Adventure Tours, 1-877-449-1230.