A hike up Soames Hill, with its superb vistas of the surrounding mountains and islands, is also a popular activity. Caribbean Travel | Caribbean Packages | Air Canada Vacations The South Beach Plaza Villas are a half block from the beach and offer guests bathrobes and flat screen TVs for a mere $80 per night. Kingston, for example, saw a 42 per cent increase in interest this year compared to last year. While the soulless Phoenix downtown can be a turnoff, nearby Scottsdale can counter it with a good looking old town, a hopping gallery scene, and cooler resorts. Round off the journey with a gourmet lunch at Christine's On Blackcomb. A trip to Salt Spring Island on a sunny day is a perfect getaway from Vancouver. Crystal clear water, rambling castles, delicious food, and a distinctive Mediterranean vibe all await you in the beautiful city of Dubrovnik. Book with WestJet Vacations today and discover firsthand how we can serve you better. If you get off the beaten path, its still possible to have a four course meal with wine for less than $20 per person. Across the street is the Ucluelet Aquarium, Canada's first collect-and-release aquarium, where visitors come face to face with local fish and invertebrates found in the waters just steps from the doors. To truly appreciate the gorgeous coastline and diverse marine life that surrounds Galiano Island, get out onto the water in one of the most popular activities in the Gulf Islands-kayaking. Vancouver tops many a list of the world's most livable citiesbut it might owe its popularity, at least in part, to what's around it. A drive up the famous Sea-to-Sky-Highway leads past Squamish and up to the renowned ski resort of Whistler, one of the venues of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. On the drive from Vancouver to Whistler, along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Squamish is an easy and fun day trip from Vancouver that is often overlooked by travelers. The main town, Ganges, is where you'll find the majority of the shops, restaurants, and galleries. To get here, book a ferry passage from Tsawwassen Terminal to either Long Harbour or through to Fulford Harbour (2-3 hours). Steveston is a top destination in Richmond and an easy day trip from Vancouver if you don't have a car. Resort ratings are takenfrom their respective travel site. While in the summertime the island bustles with activity and visitors, a fall weekend is also an ideal time to visit-the leaves are changing, the crowds have dissipated, and time slows down. Plan ahead and book your sailing online. trending stories every day. Your dream vacationmay be closerthan you think. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Not only is the cliff-hugging drive along the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish one of the best drives in the province, but the attractions in Squamish are numerous and enjoyable. The Audain, which opened in March 2016, has one of the best collections of Northwest Canadian art in the country, all housed in a stunning, dark, metal-and-wood building. That is, if you can drag yourself away from the beach! Meat-eaters should start with the daily selection of house-made charcuterie. While most visitors go straight from the airport to their beach resort, old hands head upcountry toward Kula for lush forest, windsurfing at Paia and hiking opps at volcano Haleakala. Not only is the look airier and more contemporary than it was before, but the new celebrity chef James Walt, formerly of Whistlers Araxi, the renowned Sooke Harbour House, and Vancouvers Blue Water Caf, has shifted the focus to a lighter-style cuisine. Los Cabos has lots of swimmable beaches, some with snorkelling coves that not everyone seems to know about which makes privacy easy to find, Guerreiro says. You can stroll along the Inner Harbour to see street performers, relax on a park bench, or admire the city's parliament buildings. Sure its nice to see the family, but all that decorating, cooking, cleaning and hosting can be exhausting. Why go? The fort was the site of much activity in the 1800s, from the fur traders to the Fraser River gold rush in 1857, and the establishment of the colony of British Columbia. Also worth checking out, depending on the time of year, are the 32-acre Minter Gardens, the Bridal Falls Waterpark. Victoria is also home to the Royal British Columbia Museum, one of Canada's finest museums of natural and cultural history. The aerial tram covers a distance of 152 meters, dropping you on the opposite side of the river. WebFind all the best all inclusive vacation packages from Vancouver to great destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic and more. 22 Weekend Getaways from Vancouver - Happiest Outdoors Take a stroll up and down the bustling main street replete with coffee shops, eclectic retail stores, and restaurants featuring local chefs. Well-maintained hiking trails generally follow the ridge lines below the slumbering volcano. But the grilled Caesar salad, served warm, is a more-than-worthy way to start, and the signature crme brle, finished tableside, a fabulous way to end. kicks into full gear. During peak times, and particularly around holidays, the ferries fill up. For the slightly more energetic traveler, the pedestrian friendly old-town known as the Zona Centro is worth a wander for real estate envy and tasting local cuisine. (Tip: Pilgrimme has limited seating and books up very quickly, so reserve in advance). Rainbows, massive waves, and dormant volcanos (which make for stunning hikes) are just a few reasons why Maui is a favourite for island hoppers. Want to travel somewhere from Vancouver on the cheap? Rooms are what youd expect from one of Canadas classiest hotels: sophisticated and subdued, in neutral colors but with pops of jewel tones on the pillows and curtains. Longing for time away and some rest afterwards isnt too much to ask. 2023 Cond Nast. The views out over Howe Sound and the mountain scenery all along this stretch of highway are outstanding. The wild lingcod with mussels, and the duck breast with cilantro and ginger also garner rave reviews, though vegetarians will also find a few tempting options to keep them satisfiedwe're partial to the chickpea tempeh dish, served with mushroom and potato. This is the third highest waterfall in BC, dropping 335 meters, and the easy access makes it very popular. At what point should you book for the best deal? Rest assured that our hotels and resorts have been carefully hand-picked to offer you a comfortable, memorable stay at a great rate. Gibsons is a big fishing hub, so if reeling in the big one is on your weekend getaway wish list, look no further-there are plenty of charters and equipment rentals available in town. A tropical vacation may be awaiting you this winter break. Turn to WestJet Vacations for a huge array of package deals that focus on your preferred pastime lying on a beach. Instead, youll find goods from more than 140 artisans, including pottery, jewelry, woodwork, fine art, and skincare products. Drive south of Vancouver for just over two hours, and you'll find yourself in an area stuffed with working farms, rugged wilderness, and adorable small towns. An easy 350-meter long, fairly level walking trail winds its way through towering old-growth pine trees and emerges at the base of the falls. Although flying down to the tropics can be quite expensive from Vancouver, we've found some all-inclusive deals (flights, accommodation, food and drinks ALL included) that are currently some of the cheapest onesat each hotel star rating. This spectacular ride takes you up to the summit, and from here, you can see all the way down Howe Sound and across to the mountain peaks on the other side. In winter, the skiing at Whistler Blackcomb is some of the best in the world, offering visitors over 200 marked runs and 16 alpine bowls spread over 8,171 acres of skiable terrain. And the storm is the rainiest tropical storm system in Nevadas history, nearly doubling the states 116-year-old all-time record, according to preliminary data from When should you carve out your vacation time if you want to avoid the crowds? If youre driving up and down the mountain, allow about 20 minutes each way. Those who do will find quaint towns on the approach, nearby hiking trails in the summer, and great skiing in the winter. 's mainland, the landscape is so rugged and mountainous, the only way to access it is via ferry. Nassau is the main cruise hub for the Bahamas and one of the islands only cities, Sintra says. 8 Super Cheap All-Inclusive Vacations You Can Go On The Eat, Stay, Play food festival runs through November, but there's plenty to do any month of the year in Cowichan Valley. But winter is coming and who's in need of a tropical all-inclusive vacation. The Crow's Nest, which is housed in the former general-store building built in 1908, has been a treasure trove of souvenirs and gifts for over 30 years. Is it possible to travel to a beautiful, sun-kissed tropical destination on a budget? Besides great local food production, Salt Spring Island is also known for its thriving artist and artisan community. If possible, be flexible on your check-in and check-out dates. In winter, it's all about kayaking the sloughs of the lower Snohomish River for a chance to see wildlife up close. READ MORE: Travel Tuesday: Five vacation mistakes to avoid. Discover what makes Bowen Island's ecosystems so special with a guided ecological tour with Bowen Island Adventures-slacklining lessons, foraging excursions, and trail running clinics are also available. The giant granite monolith known as Stawamus Chief mountain is an incredible site and one of the main climbing areas in this region. Prices listed are ratesat time of writing. When you reach Whistler Peak, you can stop on the Ravens Eye Cliff Walk viewing platform for even more amazing (and terrifying) vistas. Duration: 7 days (Sun Feb 19 2017 - Sun Feb 26 2017), *last minute deal perfect for reading week, Duration: 7 days (Mar 1 2017 - Mar 8 2017), Duration: 7 days (Apr 16 - Apr 23, 2017 ), Vancouver to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. When in Whistler, you either stay in the hubbub of the village itself or a bit away, where its more peaceful and quieter. Google flights search anywhere: Cheapest Vancouver flights On the Caribbean side of Best of all, they are all direct flights from YVR. All vendors must make it, bake it, or grow it themselves, so you won't find any mass-produced tchotchkes here. To feel the full effects of a West Coast winter, put on your rain gear and head out for a brisk day of hiking along Ucluelet's Wild Pacific Trail, and a sunset stroll along one of the many stunning beaches found in the world-famous Pacific Rim National Park. For outdoor enthusiasts there are hiking trails through first-growth forests, kayaking along quiet rivers, and fishing in world-class waters. This small village is an ideal place to see the mighty Fraser River and the Pacific Ocean. (We think the thrill is well worth it.). Narcity Media Inc. 12 Of The Cheapest All Inclusive Vacations From Vancouver This Winter Break, They areall-inclusive packages (aka unlimited food and drinks, so yes please! One of Victoria's most popular attractions is the Royal British Columbia Museum, which does a brilliant job of outlining the history of the province, from its First Nations peoples to the Gold Rush, with interactive exhibits and displays. Squamish has eight provincial parks within easy driving distance. Earlier this year, WestJet increased service during the winter season to Puerto Vallarta from Regina, Abbotsford, Calgary and Vancouver a key indicator as to why searches may be up 11 per cent this winter compared to last year, Sintra points out. You'll hear the roar of the falls before you see them. Have one to add? A host of tropical islands are at your fingertips to be discovered and theres plenty of sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and even golf to keep you occupied when youre not hanging out on the beach. When you go in the off season, you can find great weather and prices that are sometimes as low as $100 per night. But there are also fantastic places to eat, drink, and stay, and even a fascinating museum of Northwest Canadian art where you can slip in some culture. Most are within 30 minutes of downtown Victoria. With weather thats nearly perfect all year round and a simply beautiful landscape that boasts lagoons, white-sand beaches, and tropical mountains youll swear that every view looks like a postcard. It also tends to be a favourite destination because of its close proximity to Canada, Guerreiro explains. Visit Francis Bread's caf and pick up a loaf of bread that uses only B.C.-grown organic grains and is baked in an on-site wood-fired oven. More trails and bird watching opportunities found in the Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park. WebThe best vacation packages from Vancouver are closer than you think. wildfire evacuees. For something more substantial (and sustainable), Be Love is a bustling, plant-based restaurant that serves up seasonal, meat-free meals designed to feed the body and soul. We are NOT endorsing these hotels, but simply presenting some of the cheapest and best valued tropical all-inclusiveoptions available from Vancouver at this time. The park also has a tree top walk among 1,300-year-old trees, a cliff walk with a glass floor, and an extensive collection of totem poles. The beautiful beach that runs all along the town's waterfront has a spectacular view out to the islands and mountains across Harrison Lake. Desserts tend toward the unfussy. And the Mexican peso is at a historical low, making it even easier to explore Mexico on a budget.. 25 Cheapest Places to Travel to From Canada | Cansumer To find the package listed, make sure toenter in the date we provided. Looking for a the ultimate getaway? But this long-time farm-to-table favorite (with a brand-new executive chef, Quang Dang, since October 2017) sources ingredients from local farmers, fisheries, and ranchersincluding, naturally, a wonderful selection of West Coast oystersand features one of the best wine selections in British Columbia. However, you might want to wait until the new year if youre thinking about travelling. Web5 direct flights from YVR to sunshine. When looking at weekend trips from Vancouver to the U.S., Seattle NorthCountry is one of the best options. Red Fish Blue Fish, a casual harborside institution built out of shipping containers, serves up superlative fish and chips, chowder, and fish tacos using only sustainable seafood. 14 Top-Rated Day Trips from Vancouver | PlanetWare of exertion, take a ride up on the Sea to Sky Gondola. This is a classic Whistler hotel: sophisticated yet also rooted in the outdoors, with lots of wood and stone, and cozy chairs where you can laze in front of the fireplace. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Baker receives incredible amounts of snow, typically ranging from 50 to 65 feet. Then, depending on how much hiking you want to do at the top, budget another one to three hours. Want to discuss? If you decide to go during a fall weekend, head to the hills of Perry Creek for a 10.5-mile mountain trail loop that, thanks to a diversity of ecosystems, is perfectly positioned to present the best autumnal colors around. Quaint island towns and the provincial capital of Victoria are just a ferry ride away. By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. Sometimes you just need a vacation from the holiday youve just had. Resort ratings are takenfrom their respective travel site. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Conveniently located right next to the ferry terminal, Galiano Inn & Spa, which was recently renovated and boasts breathtaking ocean views, an inspired-by-the-coast spa, and Galiano's only contemporary oceanfront restaurant Atrevida, is the ultimate romantic getaway. Miami offers numerous beaches to choose from, all with their own vibe, he says. If youve found this article useful, please help us out by sharing it on Facebook and Twitter! The main town is Ganges, a pleasant waterfront community, with restaurants, shops, and galleries. Youll find a stunning collection of Northwest Coast First Nations masks, and one of the countrys largest collections of work from renowned Canadian painter Emily Carr. Looking for a the ultimate getaway? WebCheap beach vacations from Vancouver. Yes, flights are a bit more expensive, but youll be much closer to the islands famous white sand beaches and popular resorts. Discover the Hidden Gem of Europe: An Unforgettable Trip to Cyprus! So youre dead set on getting away after the holidays but dont know where to travel to. Dining out in Whistler is a year-round treat-for a meal to remember, book a table for dinner at the award-winning Araxi restaurant. To eat a fresh croissant baked by a French pastry chef, pull up a chair at Artisan Eats Caf, an island favorite for 10 years that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and coffee. Take "forest bathing" to the next level along the well-maintained trails of Avatar Grove, a clutch of old-growth Western Red cedar and rare Douglas fir in the Gordon Valley River. Why go? The museum is the site of the former Britannia Mine. Despite its obvious presence, few people think to make the day trip to explore the mountain up close. Continue browsing to accept the use of all cookies. Book your travel for January where both hotel and flight prices tend to see a decrease in rates and there are fewer crowds, he says. A $60 million renovation, completed in June 2017, has restored the Fairmont, Victorias grande dame, to her former glory by freshening up the 464 guestrooms and modernizing the spa, pool, and gym. Vacation Packages to Caribbean from Vancouver | Flight Head over to Cowichan Bay for an afternoon of shopping, browsing, and snacking along the waterfront main street of this tiny artisan town. Median airfare will cost you around $600 with WestJet and Interjet as they add more flights this winter. The wild salmon tacone, stuffed inside a flour tortilla with coleslaw, pea shoots, and lemon-pickled onions, is also fabulous. Since the restaurant is attached to a bakery (Fol Epi), the entire place smells like freshly baked breadand eating said bread is also a delight. Interest for the destination is up 17 per cent this winter, according to KAYAKs research. Short hiking trails in the area run through the forest right to the base of the falls. A day trip through one of the rainforests is something that shouldnt be missed. The Sunset Beach Resort and Spa has a water park and 3 private beaches. It's worth driving into this Provincial Park to gaze upwards at the rock climbers risking life and limb in the quest to ascend to the top. WebGreat Exuma Nassau Barbados Western Caribbean Bermuda Cayman Islands Puerto Rico Turks and Caicos Islands Southern Caribbean Aruba Curaao Eastern Even when the sun comes out of hiding, its a far cry from beach weather in Vancouver. Hell's Gate is uniquely located at a narrowing in the Fraser River, where the fast-flowing water is forced through a section only 33 meters wide, creating a churning spectacle of white water. Ferries from Tsawwassen Terminal to the Swartz Bay Terminal on Vancouver Island, and drive 35 minutes along the Patricia Bay Highway to downtown Victoria. For adventurers, theres no shortage of eco wildlife tours, water sports, and even horseback riding. Don't miss the viewpoint at the top of Mount MaxwellBaynes Peak, Salt Spring's highest pointfor amazing vistas, not only of Vancouver Island, but also south to the San Juan Islands. Fall can be so beautiful in Vancouver, especially with the sunny weather lately (thanks, Mother Nature!). For something a little more remote, see our guide to the best campgrounds near Tofino. When heading back to Vancouver via Swartz Bay, take some time to explore The Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre botanical oasis that's been growing for over 100 years-it's especially pretty to visit on a fall weekend when the autumnal colors are turning. And which place should you choose? We hand-pick hotels for quality and value, so you can rest easy that you'll enjoy great value for money without having to endure the stress of planning. There are over 700 farms, including Canada's first tea farm, Westholme Tea Company, and the valley is home to one of B.C. Escape the Ordinary and Experience Paradise A Look at the Spectacular Bahamas! It doesnt have a lot of tourists yet, or big chain hotels, and many people like the laid back atmosphere that can be found there. 13 affordable beach destinations that will bring you back to life after the holidays, Travelling during December is one of the most expensive months to fly, but if youre set on travelling during the holidays, avoid flying on Dec. 22, Sintra says. This full day tour travels both ways by ferry. Hop on one of the regular 95-minute B.C. Any time of year, wander the footpaths to enjoy the lovely and peaceful vistas. 's first certified forest-bathing guide at Haida With Nature. You'll also be able to see the falls from the Sea-to-Sky Gondola. Top 10 Cheapest Tropical Vacations! - Tenfirst Travel A weekend trip to Port Renfrew would not be complete with a visit to Botanical Beach, which boasts one of the richest intertidal zones on the West Coast and tide pools teeming with marine life. For a rugged romantic getaway, the Cowichan River Lodge provides cozy, boutique accommodation right along the edge of one of North America's highest rated trout rivers. Vancouver's unique coastal location near the U.S. border makes it the perfect launch pad for a wide variety of wonderful weekend trips. A lower cost bus option is the Small-Group Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver. To get here from Vancouver, catch a ferry from Tsawwassen Terminal to Swartz Bay and drive two hours northwest of Victoria. Though there are three kinds of fish and chips (plus tempura-battered oysters and chips), go for the classic halibutyou wont regret it. Whether you want to lounge on one of the beaches or wander through the cobbled streets of Old San Juan youll be sure to enjoy your stay here. 3 Best Day Trips From Vancouver | Cond Nast Traveler. The hotel is decorated in a tastefully modern, unpretentious residential stylethink, a modern take on coastal chicand guests will feel perfectly at home borrowing a board game from the front desk or playing in front of the fire in the lounge. Fuel up at Picnic Too on Fort Street, a local coffee shop that serves up locally roasted two percent Jazz coffee and other fan favorites, including Empire Donuts and Cultured Kombucha. At the top of the ride, don't miss the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. And usually, when Canadians want a relaxing vacation away from the cold, they cant help but think of a beach getaway. Updated Oct 14, 2022. Sign up for our newsletter and get a curated list of the top Narcity has scoured the web for some of the best all-inclusive deals from Vancouver. We can help you find it. Another Florida destination to think about is Panama City. Choux Choux Bakery will make your mouth water with its baked goods ranging from savory croissants to Norwegian krumkake. All rights reserved. Beachology stocks beautiful coastal-inspired furnishings, home dcor, jewelry, and fashion, and is a great spot to find a souvenir. Great hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and campgrounds, provide endless opportunities to get out into nature. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest surrounding Mt. Make a planned stop at Cathedral Grove to walk among the ginormous trunks of ancient Douglas fir trees in the remnants of a rare and endangered ecosystem. Though you could hop on a seaplane to save time, the 90-minute ferry ride from Tsawwassen (about a 45-minute drive from downtown Vancouver) to Vancouver Islands Swartz Bay is one of the worlds most scenic ferry rides. Hotel rates, however, tend to fluctuate less than airfares, Nuno Guerreiro, regional manager Canada at Booking.com, says. The Grand Dame of Vancouver, a true landmark, is the only local hotel that deserves the overused iconic label. And don't miss the delightful goat's milk ice cream, especially when the weather calls for a refreshing treat. The views up towards the peak and the glaciers are stunning. An alternative to the beach is the Cultus Lake Adventure Park, an action-packed place full of waterslides and thrill rides. 3 Best Day Trips From Vancouver | Cond Nast Traveler 10 Travel Vacation Ideas to Blow Your Mind Unlock Unforgettable Experiences! At the end of the drive is the famous ski resort town of Whistler; a year-round destination with golf, skiing, hiking, shopping, and dining. After visiting the fort, pop into Langley for a bite to eat, to do some shopping, or to check out a few local museums. One of the top things to do just outside the city, is the stunning Butchart Gardens. In addition to flying to desirable destinations, we have a team of vacation experts who work hard to hand-pick the best rates at the best hotels and resorts. Then learn about the underwater world of Howe Sound, right at the market's doorstep, at the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre. When visiting, be sure to order a dish of fresh, handmade pasta at Capers + Olives, a friendly brick-walled, Italian bistro downtown. With this in mind, we've rounded up the cheapest destinations for Vancouverites to If you are lucky, you'll be able to ride in the glass-bottomed car. Work commute rising in Canada as more people going into office, Osteoarthritis cases could reach 1 billion worldwide by 2050, study says, What to know about home insurance if youve been displaced by B.C. For a Scandinavian-inspired fine-dining experience, book a table at House Piccolo, and enjoy a delicious meal in this tiny heritage-home-turned-restaurant. Maui has some of the worlds best snorkelling, scuba diving and stunning black sand beaches, he says. Steveston has a lively commercial dock area where you can purchase fresh seafood right off the boats that will be sure to impress. Agrius' menu of seasonal small plates, all made with local, organic ingredients, attracts a young and buzzy crowd that also comes for the unique cocktails and natural wines, the latter sourced from both British Columbia and Europe.
Lawrence General Hospital, Articles C