Memories of British Columbia, Canada are my father taking us on camping trips around the province. He used to say that Beautiful B.C. had everything - the ocean, the mountains, ancient trees and the fresh air – so why bother staying inside? Even on the coolest days of the summer and the dampest weekends of the fall, we would be pitching our tent somewhere by the water, and getting the barbeque ready for a family wilderness dinner.
Though the weather on this rainforest terrain can be fussy throughout the Autumn, Winter and Spring months, no matter the season, British Columbia is a magical province to honeymoon any time of the year. Hiking through the magnificent mountains with the mist of rain on your hair, immense coniferous trees hunched over you like protective giants, makes Fall a great time to go. In Winter months you can ski on some of the best hills in the world and then snuggle in front of the fire back at the cabin. Spring means market and boutique shopping in the city, sales galore by some of the best up and coming local designers.
Ah – and summer, glorious summer. It’s short but it’s worth the wait; take your pick – hot springs, beaches, cycling, paddling, camping – all at your fingertips.
With so many options, Vancouver and Vancouver Island are the locations most hit by honeymooners and travelers alike. Here are some honeymoon ideas for all seasons in British Columbia. If you plan to travel close to home, Beautiful B.C. is all you need for a relaxing and romantic vacation.
Fall Honeymoon in B.C.: The leaves won’t be falling much, as the coniferous trees that line the streets and blanket the mountains keep their needles throughout the year. You’ll want to breath in their piney scent on a crisp fall day, as you hike through the great parks along the Sea to Sky highway. Shannon Falls is a beautiful location for an easy hike, followed by a picnic by the waterfall. Or head north a bit further to Squamish for a hike up the infamous Big Chief (named so for its profile – if you are driving down on the Sea to Sky highway, you can see the Chief’s profile facing south.) If hiking is not your thing, take your pick of golf courses in the Squamish area: Nicklaus North Golf Course, Garabaldi Springs Golf Course or Squamish Valley Golf Course. After 18 holes on one of these award-winning greens, drive back to your cozy bed and breakfast in the area (check out Nu-Salya’s beautiful chalet for example) or drive north just 40 minutes further to stay in one of Whistler village’s luxury hotels. Time for a soak in the hot tub!
Winter Honeymoon in B.C.: Take your pick of the mountain resorts. There’s Whistler-Blackcomb, of course. There’s also Cypress Park, Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, Big White, Kicking Horse, Sun Peaks, Silver Star… the list goes on and on. These are some of the best hills you’ll ever ski or snowboard worldwide. On Vancouver Island you would do yourself a great favor by checking out Mount Washington for its fresh powder and then staying at some of the best spa-resorts in the Victoria area: The Kingfisher Spa Inn, Sooke Harbor House, or one of the cozy bed and breakfasts in the Parksville/Qualicum Beach area. All these accommodations are within 1-2 hours from the mountain. But it’s not just about skiing and snowboarding. It’s also about Nordic or cross-country skiing on beautiful panoramas, snowshoeing under the Douglas firs; it’s also the Après-ski culture where any pub you visit, you’ll be certain to meet snow bums and bunnies from all over the world. Winter in B.C. is simply international!
Spring Honeymoon in B.C.: If you’re more the cosmopolitan type, there’s definitely something for you in the city. Vancouver is an international port city and the scenery of the ships and the harbor at night are romantic visions. Dine in one of the harbor-side restaurants and watch the sun set over the twinkling water (check out the Westin Bayshore Inn and Cardero’s Restaurant in Coal Harbor.) Or, spend the afternoon wandering around Granville Island – not really an island at all, it is a quaint market place in the heart of the city. Shop at local handicraft stores, dine at delicious seafood restaurants and sample the hearty brews at the local Granville Island Brewery Company. Love shopping? You won’t need to go near the stuffy malls. Check out the various shopping neighborhoods: Robson Street for the avante guarde, Commercial Drive for the local and green designers, and Main Street Village for up and coming local boutique designers. Vancouver city also boasts some of the best restaurants in the world, everything for fusion to ethnic tastes.
Summer Honeymoon in B.C.: Summering in B.C. is a treat if you get to do it. July, August and September are the warmest and driest months of this rainforest, the perfect weather to enjoy the various water sports the province offers. You could do any of the above if you wish to – yes, even ski on the peaks of the mountains! But why not check out the infamous “Broken Islands” around the west coast of Vancouver Island to get in some canoeing or kayaking? Or hop around the Gulf Islands (Salt Spring island, Pender island, Mayne island, Galiano island, etc.) all conveniently connected by B.C. Ferries. Rent a cottage or stay at one of the bed and breakfasts. Lazy summer days by the beach are what make summer in B.C. a hit. A favorite destination for locals and visitors alike is a small fishing town called Tofino on the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island – here you can whale watch, visit various hot springs, and camp along the beach. (Note: I highly recommend going to Tofino in the Fall to check out the new “sport” of Storm watching! Visit www.wickinn.com for more details).
|
