Exciting Summer Adventures in British Columbia
We had a fantastic time exploring British Columbia (BC) during the summer. Our three-week trip began and concluded with brief stays in Vancouver. From there, we returned to the Sunshine Coast for ten days, discovering many new water activities. Following that, we spent nine days in the Okanagan Valley, where a five-day spa retreat at Sparkling Hill Spa and Resort allowed us to unwind. A second visit to Kelowna reminded us of the magic of this region in BC.
Our journey was filled with memorable experiences all around BC on this return trip.
Vancouver: Our Gateway to BC
We usually visit BC a few times each year to see family on the west coast. On this occasion, we flew from Toronto but have previously made the road trip between Toronto and Vancouver many times.
Choosing where to stay in Vancouver often depended on the duration of our stopovers. We’ve had several stays near False Creek, close to Stanley Park, and explored various downtown Vancouver hotels. As Ambassador Elite members with Marriott, we had access to numerous excellent loyalty options.
For this trip, we opted for short stays, choosing the Westin Wall Vancouver Airport upon our arrival and before departing. As returning guests, we were greeted warmly, and our loyalty status earned us a great room upgrade.
A short ride on the SkyTrain took us to pick up our rental car, allowing us to drop our luggage at the hotel before returning it. This made our summer adventures in BC seamless.
Returning to the Sunshine Coast
After picking up our rental car, we drove to Horseshoe Bay to board the BC Ferries to the Sunshine Coast. With family residing there, we spent plenty of time exploring the area.
While the Sunshine Coast is not an island, there are no roads connecting it to the area north of Vancouver. We always enjoy the ferry ride, where we were thrilled to catch sight of orcas frolicking in the wake, as whale activity peaks along the BC coast in the summer.
We returned to our favorite rental in Halfmoon Bay, The Loghouse, which was just a short walk from our son Nick and his two wonderful dogs. During this visit, we had many outdoor hours exploring the parks and waterfront.
A familiar setting on the Sunshine Coast proved to be an ideal base for enjoying exhilarating summer adventures in BC.
Water Activities on the Sunshine Coast
This visit to the Sunshine Coast was blessed with beautiful summer weather, prompting us to dive into some exciting water adventures. One day, we rented a boat at Pender Harbour Resort and explored the Agamemnon Channel, enjoying the freedom and fun of being on the water with Nick.
On another outing, we booked a tour with Sunshine Coast Tours, traveling along the Jervis Inlet and Princess Louisa Inlet before stopping at Chatterbox Falls. This five-hour adventure was not only enjoyable but also offered a wealth of knowledge about this stunning outdoor gem.
Engaging in water activities on the Sunshine Coast certainly enhanced our summer adventures in BC.
Relaxing Spa Stay in the Okanagan Valley at Sparkling Hill
After ferrying back from the Sunshine Coast, we ventured inland to the Okanagan Valley. Leaving the stunning coast behind, we trekked into the mountains.
We booked an incredible five-day package at the Sparkling Hill Spa and Resort. The resort was exquisite, and we took full advantage of the spa facilities each day while enjoying breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake. This serene retreat provided a much-needed break from our usual pace of adventure.
A relaxing experience at Sparkling Hill was the perfect complement to our adventurous summer travels in BC. We plan to return for another treatment soon!
A Brief Return Visit to Kelowna
After our stay at the Sparkling Hill Spa and Resort, we headed back south to Kelowna, where we enjoyed a return stay at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, situated right by the lake. Thanks to our Marriott Elite Status, we received an outstanding upgrade to a condo property with a patio overlooking the lake—an exceptional way to conclude our summer in BC.
Even with overcast skies, we still enjoyed walking along the waterfront, taking in the scenery. Kelowna bustles with activity during the summer months.
During our initial stay in Kelowna, we enjoyed the vibrant street art throughout the area. Wandering along the waterfront, we discovered numerous new pieces to admire.
Our days in Kelowna were peaceful and enjoyable as we revisited familiar places, marking a delightful conclusion to our summer adventures in BC.
Tips for Visiting BC in the Summer
We’ve experienced BC in all seasons. In spring, we marveled at the early blossoms, while autumn transformed the landscape into a canvas of red and gold. Winters provided a welcome escape from Toronto’s snow with their milder temperatures. However, we typically avoided Vancouver during summer due to the influx of cruise ship passengers. Here are our tips for visiting BC in the summer:
Book Accommodations Early
The summer months bring crowds to Vancouver, just like any major city. To manage this, we secured our accommodations well ahead of time. To save costs, we even booked non-refundable options, knowing that prices rise substantially during peak season. We opted to spend less time in Vancouver since it can be quite pricey.
Rent a Car for Exploration
Public transit in Vancouver is commendable, so we rarely rented a car when staying in the city. However, for trips beyond the city limits, we found it crucial to have a rental vehicle, allowing us the freedom to uncover all the great attractions BC has to offer.
We learned that car rentals at the airport often come with steep premiums. Instead, we opted to rent from the VIA Rail station, avoiding the airport fees. This only works well if we stayed in Vancouver for a night upon our arrival.
Book Car Rentals Early but Keep Checking Prices
We typically booked our car rentals right after confirming our flights and accommodations, anticipating the summer pricing. However, we discovered from past experiences it’s wise to keep monitoring rental prices.
By setting calendar reminders, we frequently checked prices and found them dropping each time. When we landed in Vancouver, our rental car was one-third of the original quoted rate! We utilized this same strategy when we explored Sicily.
Reserve BC Ferry Trips in Advance
Our visits to BC often included ferry rides. Whether heading to Vancouver Island or traveling to the Sunshine Coast, we found it essential. Ferries operate frequently, and while reservations aren’t mandatory, popular times can lead to lengthy waits.
For busy periods or strict travel schedules, we always made reservations with BC Ferries. The nominal additional cost has saved us time on several occasions.
Get Out on the Water in BC
With over 25,000 km (over 15,000 miles) of stunning Pacific coastline, not to mention lakes and rivers, BC is a paradise for water enthusiasts. Experiencing the province from this vantage point is truly breathtaking.
Include Downtime in Your Plans
There’s always so much happening in BC that we often dive from one adventure to another. While we cherished our family moments, we sometimes overlooked the importance of simply relaxing in the beautiful outdoors. Our trip back to the Sunshine Coast allowed us to appreciate nature at our own pace, and we intentionally scheduled a five-day spa escape. We returned to Toronto much more relaxed than anticipated!
A Diverse Array of Adventures During Summer Travel in BC
Our summer journey in BC was filled with a delightful range of activities. We relished returning to familiar spots, wandering along the coast, appreciating green spaces, and experiencing the water multiple times. Our inaugural spa stay at Sparkling Hill Resort deepened our appreciation for this unique form of adventure.
Have you experienced amazing adventures during summer travel in BC? Where should we explore next?
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