I am usually totally exhausted by Friday evening and looking for some good weekend getaway spots. Like most working class people, I can’t afford to go on luxurious vacations every weekend so I either relax at home or go to some lovely spot within driving distance from my home in the Okanagan. Check out the list of my top 10 getaway spots in British Columbia and take your pick for this weekend:
1. CHILLIWACK LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK: If you live in or around Vancouver area then one of the best spots to getaway for the weekend could be CHILLIWACK LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK which is roughly about two hours drive from Vancouver (about 150 km East). There are a lot of activities that can be enjoyed here like canoeing, kayaking, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking etc. Not in the mood to be active, then just rent one of 146 front-country campsites and chill with a beer.
2. BRIDGE RIVER VALLEY: History of British Columbia’s Gold Rush unfolds itself in BRIDGE RIVER VALLEY.The Bridge River Valley includes Bralorne, Gun Creek, Gun Lake, Tyax Lake, and Marshall Lake - with Gold Bridge being the main settlement. I enjoy visiting quaint little town-Gold Bridge which is surrounded by majestic mountains like Mt. Zola to the west and Mount Truax to the east and exotic Carpenter Lake while driving through Bridge River Valley. Gold Bridge is located about 1.5 hours west of Lillooet. The whole Bridge River Valley area is so self contained and peaceful that it is difficult to not feel tranquility here. The region enjoys a good selection of campgrounds and forestry recreation campsites providing overnight accommodation to visitors. You won’t have difficulty finding your own special back road in Bridge River Valley’s wilderness.
3. MOUNT ROBSON PEAK: Mount Robson peak is the highest peak in Canadian Rockies and is located in British Columbia’s oldest provincial park called MOUNT ROBSON provincial park. This provincial park is known for its exciting outdoor adventures. Did you know that Mount Robson Peak is called the ‘Monarch of the Rockies?’ Majestic Mount Robson Peak will surely fill you with awe and admiration.
4. FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS: Looking for a perfect place for a romantic getaway? Head to Fairmont Hot Springs which is Canada’s largest all-natural hot springs created millions of years ago. The water temperature of the springs range from 102 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit and is controlled by adding colder water from the snow and nearby creeks. I am sure the 10,000 square feet of pools bubbling with natural sweet-smelling mineral water will melt away your stress and you will return to work fully rejuvenated. You can also plan day trips from Fairmont Hot Springs to nearby towns like Panorama, Kimberley and Fernie.
5. DEASE LAKE and drive along STEWART-CASSIAR HIGHWAY (Hwy-37): The Stewart-Cassiar Highway runs nearly 500 kilometers (300 miles) through the vast wilderness of northwestern BC on its way to the Yukon. The drive through this highway is rough but scenic and you come across two renowned wilderness parks i.e. Mount Edziza and Spatsizi Plateau. Dease Lake is located west of the Stewart-Cassiar Highway at the junction to Telegraph Creek. It is a supply centre for the northwest region of British Columbia and a departure point for hiking and camping in the surrounding wilderness.
6. NAKIMU CAVES in GLACIER NATIONAL PARK: A limited access is available for visitors to these glorious limestone caves known as valley of hazards. The Nakimu caves lie between upper and lower Cougar Valley in the Selkirk Mountains, just west of Rogers Pass on the Trans-Canada Highway. Interested in visiting? Be prepared for a three to four hike to get to the entrance of the caves. I know it quite a hike but its totally worth it. For more detailed information, check out: Parks Canada
7. FORT STEELE: Just want to have a lazy weekend then consider rummaging through historical town of FORT STEELE which is located near Cranbrook on Highway 93/95 in the Eastern part of Kootenays. You can enoy daily re-enactments of the town’s past history and heritage year- round with special programming from mid-June to Labour Day.
8. WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER: If you are planning a weekend getaway to celebrate your anniversary of someone specials’ birthday then try WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER for a unique experience.
9. KETTLE VALLEY RAIL TRAIL: Why not go for a ride on KETTLE VALLEY TRAIL which is a 455 km long trail part of recreational trails collectively called the Spirit of 2010 Trail. You can start cycling from any of the following towns: Tulameen, Coalmont, Princeton, Summerland, Penticton, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls or Osoyoos. Even if you are not in the mood for cycling these small little towns are quite picturesque and offer plenty of other activities to keep tourists and locals entertained. For instance, my favourite is riding a scooter through Penticton and having a delicious lunch at Salties restaurant which is a cool waterfront joint. Get a spot on the patio to have the best meal experience.
10. OTHELLO TUNNELS: OTHELLO TUNNELS are located just off the Coquilla highway about 10 kms east of Hope. A short walk from the parking lot,through high canyon walls and above rushing water watres is a series of four tunnels and linking footpaths that make up the Othello Tunnels.
Have you found your favourite holiday spot in British Columbia? Why not, share it with our readers. You can win our next BC weekend getaway lucky draw.
