BEYOND VANCOUVER
There's more to discover beyond the city limits
WHISTLER RESORT
Getting there: Whistler is a two-hour drive north up the
scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. From early May through October, Rocky
Mountaineer offers a three-hour train ride called the Sea to Sky Climb.
Whistler Air offers a 30-minute floatplane excursion. There are also
numerous coach services to choose from, including Pacific Coach Lines,
Greyhound Bus Lines and Whistler Direct Shuttle.
Why go?: One of the top scenic routes in B.C., the Sea-to-Sky corridor
offers views of North America's most southerly fjord, Howe Sound, with
a spectacular backdrop of glaciers. Charming Whistler Village and the
largest ski resort in North America await at the end of the route.
Highlights and attractions:
• Whistler Blackcomb's 3,200 hectares (8,000 acres) of skiable terrain
on two mountains connected by the Peak2Peak Gondola
• Copper mining history at the interactive Britannia Mine Museum
• Canoeing in summer with Whistler Eco Tours
• Snowmobiling in winter with Canadian Wilderness Adventures
• Rare artifacts and unique artwork at the Squamish Lil'wat
Cultural Centre
• High-flying adventure at Whistler Bungee and Ziptrek EcoTours
• Indulgent treatments at Scandinave Spa, set amid cedar forests with
incredible mountain views
• A challenging round at the stunning and acclaimed Furry Creek
Golf Course
• Super Fly tree obstacle course with The Adventure Group
• Spectacular sightseeing at Squamish on the Sea to Sky Gondola,
opening in 2014
VICTORIA
Getting there: Westcoast Air, Pacific Coastal Airlines
and Harbour Air have dozens of daily departures to and from Victoria.
BC Ferries offers a 1.5-hour ride across Georgia Strait. Helijet offers a
30-minute scheduled helicopter service. Prince of Whales offers whalewatching tours to Victoria as a one-way or return trip. Pacific Coach
Lines scheduled buses are another option.
Why go?: Savouring the sights and smells of the ocean on the ferry
ride is half the fun. Passing through or over the beautiful Gulf Islands en
route is another highlight. Once there, visitors are charmed by the blend
of Old World British tradition and modern style.
Highlights and attractions:
• Famous tea service at the Fairmont Empress Hotel
• Historic Craigdarroch Castle, built between 1887 and 1890 for one
of British Columbia's wealthiest immigrants
• Butchart Gardens' 22 hectares (54 acres) of gorgeous show gardens
30 WELCOME TO VANCOUVER
Kayaking in Deep Cove
• Historic finds at the Royal BC Museum
• Beautiful butterflies and flowering plants at the Victoria
Butterfly Garden
• Marine exploration at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
• Whale-watching tours, available through Prince of Whales and
Great Pacific Adventures
RICHMOND & STEVESTON
Getting there: It's a 30-minute drive south of Vancouver to
Richmond, and a few minutes farther south is the village of Steveston.
Why go?: Richmond offers diverse historic, cultural and natureviewing opportunities. The quaint seaside village of Steveston is a popular
escape for the day to stroll the boardwalk, shop, dine on fresh seafood or
take a whale-watching tour.
Highlights and attractions:
• Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, which offers
hands-on insight into the fishing and fish-canning operations that were
once the mainstay of the town
• Soothing architecture, sculpture, paintings and gardens at the
International Buddhist Temple
• Whale-watching tours available through Steveston Seabreeze and
Vancouver Whale Watch
• Go-karting on one of Western Canada's largest tracks at Richmond
Go-Karts
• Annual events, such as the Steveston Salmon Festival
• The after-dark spectacle – and delicious bites – at the Richmond
Night Market
Photo: TVan
