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.

1. BC HORSEBACK RIDING : Horse Back riding is one of the most popular activity not only for BC residents but also tourists. If you want to experience a true western heritage then do book a day trip or a few hours trail ride with one of our BC guest ranches today. 

Depending on length of your vacation, you can choose in -town ride or take your group/family for a journey through backcountry trails of British Columbia. Horseback riding is not too difficult and is usually enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

2. BC WHITEWATER RAFTING: You’ve not had a real BC adventure if you haven’t tried Whitewater Rafting. My favourite places to go for Whitewater Rafting include Kicking Horse near Golden and Clearwater which is about 4 hours drive from Kamloops.

3. BC CAMPING: If you want to enjoy wilderness and save money on lodging then Go camping. Most campgrounds in BC are reasonably priced from $20-$40/night. However, if you are planning to go camping during long weekends then make sure to book ahead.

4. BC KAYAKING/CANOEING: Another way to discover British Columbia is through Canoeing or Kayaking. Crystal clear waters of BC against the backdrop of majestic mountains offer a really memorable experience. If you are interested in sea kayaking, then coastline of BC lined with the Pacific ocean will provide you the perfect getaway opportunity. There are various touring companies which provide guided Sea Kayaking tours with a chance to spot killer whales. If you are good at canoeing or kayaking then you don’t even need a guide. Just grab a map and head out on one of BC’s beautiful lakes or rivers.

5. BC GOLFING: We in British Columbia take golf seriously and are known for some gorgeous golf courses. Popular destinations in British Columbia for Golfing include: Kelowna, Kamloops, Golden, Vancouver, Whistler and Fernie. Have you reserved your tee time yet?

6. BC MOUNTAIN BIKING: British Columbia has a lot of provincial parks and most of them offer mountain biking to the riders on specific trails. Many of our ski resorts are open during summer for downhill and cross-country biking. Silver Star Mountain Resort is one of my favourite places for mountain biking because they operate chair lifts to get riders and their bikes to the top of the mountain. Although, BC has thousands of kilometres of trails and logging roads, it is also known for bears. So beware of wild life and take precautions while riding a mountain bike in BC. Oh and if you are looking for some cool bike racks then check out: My Bike Racks

7. BC FISHING: Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, Char, Pike, Bass etc can all be found in waters of British Columbia. The most popular fishing spots throughout BC include: Capilano river, Callaghan Lake, Quesnel Lake, Queen Charlotte Islands, Okanagan Lake, Columbia and Kootenay River.

8. BC HIKING: If you don’t want to indulge in extreme adventure but still want to be active then consider hiking. BC offers excellent day hikes, lovely picnic spots and exciting fun-filled backpacking trips. It is pretty inexpensive activity too because all you need for a good hike is a decent pair of shoes and a back pack with essentials like water bottle, Bugs Spray etc.  

9. BC HOUSEBOATING : Shushwap, Salmon Arm and Sicamous are your best bets for Houseboating in British Columbia. Luxury, Service and Adventure, you’ll find everything on a BC Houseboating tour.

10. BC WINE TOURS: You will find great wineries throughout British Columbia but some of the world’ best wineries are located in Thompson Okanagan region. Wine tasting tours are the best way to savour the fine wines while enjoying the natural beauty of beautiful British Columbia.  

1. Bear Creek Park and Campground:  Bear Creek Provincial Park is situated in the Central Okanagan Basin on the west side of Okanagan Lake. It’s a popular spot for camping for Kelowna Residents. The park features lakeside camping, over 400 metres of sandy beaches and 5 km of spectacular, well-marked hiking trails. A picturesque canyon has been carved into the bedrock by Bear Creek tumbling onto a cottonwood-lined delta. During the  during the summer season the park has a concession located at the Gatehouse and managed by the Park Facility Operator.

2. Ellison: In the mood for  boating , fishing , hiking, kayaking , scuba diving or volleyball  then go for Ellison campground which is only few minutes from Vernon, British Columbia. Located on the northeastern shore of Okanagan Lake, Ellison Provincial Park includes 200 hectares of forested benchlands above a rocky shoreline of scenic headlands and sheltered coves. The park’s natural attractions, combined with the dry, sunny Okanagan climate provide many recreational opportunities from spring through fall.  

3. Shuswap Lake- Scotch Creek: Just off Highway 1 near Chase, British Columbia, you can enjoy day camping on the shores of Shuswap Lake. Swimmers would love 1 km of developed beach and designated swim area. Although Boat rentals are not available here, there is a boat launch and boat trailer parking facilities available (only during the day.) Mountain biking is also permitted here.

Driving Directions: On the north shore of the main arm of Shuswap Lake, and includes Copper Island. Leave Hwy #1 at Squilax, and drive 19 km on paved roads. Note that Copper Island is only accessible by boat.

4. Herald Campgrounds :  Herald Campgrounds are easily accesible for Salmon Arm residents. Herald Park is located on the shore of Shuswap Lake, at the base of rugged Bastion Mountain. The area is naturally covered with open, parklike pine forest on sunny slopes and forest on shaded slopes. The campground has an upper, sunnier level and two lower levels - one sunny (an old farm site) and one shaded, both close to the beach (total of 119 campsites).  The main attractions are the long sandy beach and a short trail through a canyon leading to impressive waterfalls. Hikers surely check this one out.

5. Haynes Point Camping:This campground is located off Hwy 97 near Osoyoos, British Columbia. There are about 41 sites on a sand spit in Osoyoos Lake. Although a smaller campground, it does have amenities like fire pits, fire wood, recycle bins, flush toilets and disabled access.
Driving Directions: Located two km South of Osoyoos off Hwy 97 onto 32nd Avenue.

7.  Robson Meadows Camping - Mount Robson: If you want a beautiful treed setting at the base of the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies then Robson Measows Camping would be suitable for you. Robson meadows campgrounds are located just off Hi-way #16 about four hours north of Kamloops and there are a variety of day use and overnight hiking trails.  

8. Gladstone Park - Texas Creek near Christina Lake in British Columbia is another popular camping spot.  
There are about 63 large but mostly shady campsites. Gladstone Park is located approximately 20 km northeast of Grand Forks, British Columbia on Hwy 3 at the north end of Christina Lake in the Monashee Mountains. The most common accesses to the park are via the Texas Creek campground and by boat from Christina Lake. The campground is 5 km east of Christina Lake on Hwy 3; turn onto East Lake Drive and follow 4 km to the 63 site campground at the end of the road. There is rough 4WD access to Xenia Lake 22 km up the North Fork Rd from Grand Forks to Miller Creek Rd; turn right and go about 4 km. Look for a small road on the left marked with a white deactivated road sign that leads to the lake.

There is also access to the Mt. Gladstone trailhead from Hwy 3 and the abandoned CPR railway at Paulson, the Mt. Faith trailhead from the Burrell Forest Service Road, and Peter Lake from Dog Creek Road.

9. Champion Lakes near Nelson in British Columbia features 500 meters of sandy beach centred around three small lakes with a diversity of species; Western Larch, Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pine and Engelmann Spruce. Hiking trails, wildlife and fishing are available at this spot.  

From Merritt: Drive 50-kms northeast of Merritt on Highway 5. Take the Lac Le Jeune exit.

From Logan Lake: Drive 26-km east of Logan Lake on Meadow Creek Road.

So, if you are planning a camping trip in summer of 2009 then reserve earlier because these campgrounds get booked quickly.

Many new features have been added to the park this season like rebuild on Crank it Up and Angry Pirate in the Fitzsimmons Zone, exciting additions to No Joke (now called New Joke), Freight Train and Blue Velvet in the Garbanzo Zone.

 Oh and if you are a woman, you definitely want to check out Women’s nights specials. Every Monday and Wednesday women can take advantage of awesome deals in the Bike Park. And the prizes & Garibaldi Lift Company après are always the best way to finish a great night in the Bike Park. Also, Phat Wednesdays, an ever-popular race series is back giving riders and opportunity to step up their game.

For complete information, visit: Whistler Mountain Bike Park

Other Related Links:

Whistler Accommodations

Claudia has been coaching mountain biking for 9 years and her clinics have been offered throughout the Okanagan Valley. We recommend Arms/leg armor, a hydration pack and riding gear for all weather for this camp. The schedule for the camp is 9.30 am to 5.00 pm and rate for day camp is $90 which includes coaching, lift pass & lunch at 1.00 pm. So say good bye to your boy friend and have a fun filled day with other chicks at Silver Star Mountain Resort. To book or for more information, call 1-800-663-4431

Related Links:
Thompson Okanagan Activities 

For more information, call: Ed Stenson at 604-796-3664
For more information, www.harrisonfestival.com

Plan your visit to Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia by visit: BC Travel Guide

Related Links:

BC Hot Springs

Related links:

Okanagan Wineries

The Ticketed Venues/ Cover Charge Venues during Victoria Jazz Fest include: ROYAL THEATRE, ALIX GOOLDEN PERFORMANCE HALL, VICTORIA EVENT CENTRE, OPEN SPACE, CENTENNIAL SQUARE, ELEMENT NIGHTCLUB, VISTA 18, FIRE and WATER LOUNGE, THE PACIFIC RESTAURANT and HERMANN’S JAZZ CLUB.

For accommodation during the festival, check out:

Victoria Bed and Breakfast

Victoria Resorts and Lodges

So, if you haven’t booked your accommodation yet for Vancouver 2010 then do it now. Check out some useful links below:

Bed and Breakfast Vancouver coast

 Hotels Vancouver

Resorts and Lodges Vancouver coast