With all the things to do in Vancouver, Coast and Mountains, it is nice to have a little guidance. We have created a few themed - Winter, Golf, Aqua, Culinary, and Adventure itineraries with suggestions of what to do while here; incorporate this information when creating your own itinerary for your next trip.
Winter
The winter months in Vancouver, Coast and Mountains provides endless opportunities to participate in all different types of activities. Starting off in the Metro Vancouver area, there are three resort areas just minutes from downtown: Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour Resort.
Take a day and visit one of these mountains, each has plenty of activities to keep you busy. Mount Seymour Resort which is only 30 minutes outside of the downtown core, here you can spend the day cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and of course skiing and snowboarding. Experience the Mount Seymour scenery by snowshoe on their 10km/6.2mi of trail. You can rent your snowshoes from the resort and this will get you onto the untouched areas of the mountain.
On another day head over to Grouse Mountain, which is only 15 minutes from downtown, where you can ride to the top on the gondola and see Metro Vancouver stretch out below you. At the top you wil find activities ranging from skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating as well as sleigh rides. There is also a variety of dining facilities as well as the Theatre in the Sky, which shows a documentary daily. If you are heading up with someone special, catch the sleigh ride which will take you around on top of the mountain. The ride is free with your admission onto the gondola.
Just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver is Cypress Mountain, the third resort on the North Shore Mountains. Up here you can play in the snow on your skis, board, on a tube or on showshoes. Try the excellent cross-country trails which stretch 19km/11.8mi across the Cypress' terrain. You can get all the equipment needed from their rental shop and stock up on snacks at their care to keep you going ton the trails.
Golf
The Vancouver, Coast and Mountains is an area of beauty with its mountains, rivers, ocean, lush forests and beautiful cities, and our many challenging and world class courses showcase all these amazing features of the region. The following are suggested golf courses to visit while travelling through the region.
Golfing Through the Mighty Fraser Country
On your first day a suggested tee time at the Sandpiper Golf Club will get you started. The Sandpiper Golf Club is found outside of Harrison Hot Springs, and is an elegant and historical rich course. this course is a par 72 and runs 6,500 yards, which is comfortably walk able.
Another course to try could be The Falls, which is a unique mountainside course found just outside of Chilliwack. This cuorse is an excellent challenge for any level of golfer, with its par 71 and yardage of 6,803 you will have a feeling of accomplishment after your 18 holes.
A third suggestion is the Redwoods Golf Course found in Langley. This course is a par 71 and 6,516 total yards for golfing. Also on the property is a driving range to get you ready before hitting the first tee box.
Golfing Through Metro Vancouver
The first course is Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club. This course which s situated high on the mountain in the master planned community has 27 holes, a driving range and a number of eating facilitiesl as well as 5 different tee boxes to take advantage of this par 72 course.
Just a short drive on Hwy 1 to Cloverdale, the next course to consider visitng is Northview Golf and Country Club. This course actually consists of two different courses designed by Arnold Palmer. The first course the Ridge, has 6,900 yards to play with 4 set of tee boxes to test your skills. The course is a chllenge from its rising terrain. The second course, the Canal, has 7,100 yards and wide fairways to play.
The third course suggestion for the Metro Vancouver area is Morgan Creek Golf Course. This four season championship course offers golfers the opportunity to test their skills from 5 different tee boxes, with a total yardard of 6,967 and a par 72 (par 73 for ladies). As a golfer you will be met by a rolling terrain as you walk up the fairways.
Golfing Up the Sea-to-Sky Country
The first course is Furry Creek Golf and Country Club. This course has some of the most breathtaking views from its lcoation situated between the Coastal Mountains and the waters of Howe Sound. From the 6,025 yards and par 72, you will find 18 challenging and great holes. Their hole 14 has an interesting green which stretches out over the Howe Sound.
The next suggested course is Nicklaus North Golf Course. This course was created by Jack Nicklaus himself, after he came to Whistler and say the amazing snowcapped mountains. He built this course to reflect not only the higheset level of standards for golf courses but also his owns standards. The course has over 6,900 yards to play and with 5 tee boxes at par 71, this is a great challening course to play while in Whistler.
Further up the Sea-to-Sky another suggestion is Big Sky Golf and Country Club, which is 25 minutes passed Whistler at the foot of Mount Currie. This course offers up to 7,100 yards from their 4 tee boxes. With its grass from tee to green, this is a great golfing experience for all levels.
Golfing on the Sunshine Coast
The course suggested is Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club, whic is just 10 minutes north of Gibsons. First starting off as a 9 hole, it has now grown into a year round 18 hole course. The course has gently terrain with well conditioned fairways and large bentgrass greens, and 3-4 tee boxes for its 6,337 yards.
The next suggested course is Sechelt Golf and Country Club. This 18 hole championship course provides something for all skill levels, with up to a total of 6,553 yards at a par 72, the 4 tee boxes allow you to experience this course. These is alos a practice area to warm up before you tee off, and if you need alittle energy boost visit the onsite restaurant, Augusta Grill.
The third suggested golf course is Myrtle Point, which is on the upper Sunshine Coast. Myrtle Point is found outside of Powell River and has been carved out of the foothill of the Coast Mountains. The course has a number of amenities for a day of golf, such as a driving range and restaurant and bar. Myrtle Point has a total yardage of 6,923 and has 4 different tee boxes to reach all corners.
Aqua
You can't come to Vancouver, Coast and Mountains without taking part in Aqua activities. This could be visitng one of the lovely ocean beaches throughout the area, or taking an exciting trip down some rough rapids. The following are suggestions to include on a trip to the region when wanting to get a little wet.
Take the day to find the majestic Orcas, which inhabit the waters around the region. Vancouver Whale Watch and Steveston Seabreeze Adventures are whale watching tour companies which leave from the Richmond area. They have tours starting in April, where you will get the opportunity to find these amazing animals, and if by chance you don't see any orcas, both guarantee that you can come back again for free until you do!
For another water activity, head out to Mission which is just over an hour outside of Vancouver, where you will find the Fraser River Safari. This company specilizes in taking individuals up the Fraser River in a special river boat, where you will be told legends from the First Nations people who are from the area. You will also be able to see the abundant wildlife living around the river.
A stop which is a favourite of the locals is the Vancouver Aquarium. This is Canada's largest aquarium housing marine life from all over the world. A fan favourite are the Beluga whales; you can even arrnage to the opportunity to come face-to-face with these magnificent animal by visiting their website, www.vanaqua.org.
Culinary
The Vancouver, Coast and Mountains is a mixture of flavours and experiences; there is always something new to taste. The following are suggestions which should be incorporated into any visit to the region for individuals who have a passion for food!
The Chef and Chauffeur Service tours have taken into account the best food and wine experiences in the region and have partnered them with a tour guide who is well experienced in the world of food and wine. Chosee from their diffrerent tours depending on what you are looking for and your budget. If you only have limited time do the Fraser Valley Half-day Tour, which includes a lunch of fresh 'just-picked' foods and is followed by samplings from some of the Fraser Valley's best wineries.
If you are the kind of person who loves food and reads food and travel magazines, then Edible British Columbia is a service which you need to use. They will customize itineraries based on your preferences, budget and time. You can incorporate multiple days, private cooking lessons, wine tastings, walking tours focused on cuisine or just dinner reservations at restaurants which only the locals know about. This is your best opportunity to have a taste of the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains.
Spend the whole day visiting on of Vancouver's most famous landmarks, the Granville Island Market. During your visit, check out the many shops, the Emily Carr Art Institute, the theatres, galleries, hotel lobby and the popular Public Market. The Public Market is an array of crisp, garden-fresh produces overflowing from each vendor's stall; there are displays of fresh sea-food; freshly baked breads and pastries fill the air; the market is a great display of all the wonderful fruits and vegetables and locally grown flowers.
Adventure
The Vancouver, Coast and Mountains is a region full of exciting adventures, from mountain biking, river rafting to a little bungee jumping. Such places like Squamish, which has been tagged the 'outdoor recreational capital of Canada' indicates the endless possibilities for an adventure seeker.
The first suggestion is to head up the Sea-to-Sky highway to Whistler and Pemberton, and along the way stop off in Squamish to experience a little kiteboarding. This new activity can be described as wakeboarding but instead of using a boat, a kite powers the individuals and they have full control. In Squamish get your lessons and thrills from Skypilot, they have lessons for all levels.
After your thrilling experience of kiteboarding, head a little further up the higway and do a little crazy mountain biking down Whistler Mountain. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park has been growing in popularity every year and is now seen as one of the best bike parks in the world. You can rent all the gear you need from the village shops if you don't have your own. This experience will also allow you see why Whistler is a four season resort.
Heading a little further up the highway to Pemberton, you get to try another exciting adventure, soaring. The Pemberton Soaring Centre offers you the opportunity to take scenin flight with one of their trained pilots or learn how to soar like an eagle yourself. The Pemberton and Whistler areas offer some of the best weather for soaring, and the views are one in a million.