Iconic Concierge Vancouver Summer 2020

You don’t have to leave BC to experience the vacation of a lifetime!

The recommendation was, and is, to “Stay Home” ... and whilst we have always believed that there is no better place on the planet, we are quite content to stay at home! As we are slowly and carefully getting back to life as we have known it, and with Summer in full swing, there is so much that this province offers. From beaches to mountains, from rainforest to desert. British Columbia’s untamed nature speaks to the soul. So follow us and explore the endless possibilities of our province, find the hidden gems and create memories that will last for a lifetime.

At almost a million square kilometres (944,735 to be exact), BC is the fifth largest province in Canada. 75% of it is mountainous; 60% is forested. Its picturesque, spectacular scenery with the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline that stretches for more than 27,000 kilometres, the deep, mountainous fjords and about 6,000 islands; in the winter, the mountains that offer some of the best skiing in the world, and in the summer, display some wonderful flora; and an Interior that offers one of the warmest and longest summer climates in Canada, are world renowned and popular with travellers, each and every year. This is where we live, where we get to call “home”. A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking and camping, rock climbing and mountaineering. Endless opportunities for water sports and winter sports. Horseback riding, cross-country and mountain biking, golfing – you name it, we have it. Luxury hotels, lodges, chalets, bed and breakfasts – whatever type of accommodation you are looking for, it is there. And honouring the new 2020 fashion, social distancing, there are numerous ways to travel and stay safe and your hosts will gladly answer all of your questions.

Let’s explore British Columbia. Safely.

Vancouver Island & BC Islands

Vancouver Island, the largest island on the West Coast of North America, enjoys the warmest yearround climate in Canada. Its rugged North Island region features a largely uninhabited wilderness of forests, countless lakes and even snow-capped peaks. The Central Island is a popular year-round holiday destination with its tranquil lakes, great fishing and hiking. The West Coast is famous for its never-ending beaches and unpredictable weather, from the most romantic sunset skies to fierce dark clouds and winter storms. The South Island, home to BC’s lively capital, Victoria and its bustling harbours, has the mildest climate in Canada and

is perfect for a visit year-round. There is a lot to see and experience on Vancouver Island, a picturesque ferry ride away from the mainland.

The BC Islands – too many to list. From small to large, they offer miles of beaches, ancient forests, rocky shorelines and each exudes its unique character. Some have ferry service, others can only be accessed by boat or floatplane. Let the adventure begin!

Vancouver Coast & Mountains

Let’s start with the Sunshine Coast. This 180-km stretch from Desolation Sound to Howe Sound actually lives up to its name, especially when compared to Vancouver. The Sunshine Coast receives between 1,400 and 2,400 hours of sunshine annually, or 4 to 6 hours per day. The Coast is very popular for paddling, mountain biking, hiking, boating, and diving, or for the less adventurous, “an afternoon gallery hopping, exploring a farmers market, or relaxingon a secluded beach.”

Take the world-famous Sea-to-Sky highway up to Whistler and Pemberton. There is so much to see and experience: stop at the BC Museum of Mining in Britannia Beach, take an easy walk to the viewing platform near the roaring Shannon Falls, or head up the mountain with the Sea-to-Sky Gondola. And did you know that Porteau Cove Provincial Park provides great scuba diving, with over 100 marine species to be viewed?

Yes, Whistler has a reputation for being a world-class ski resort, but the cosmopolitan mountain village with its cluster of small lakes offers a lot year-round and accommodates every outdoor recreation known to man. Meanwhile, the recordbreaking 4.4 kilometres long Peak 2 Peak gondola, gliding 436 metres above the valley floor, gives some of the most amazing 360-degree views of the ancient peaks and glaciers.

Pemberton, a scenic 30-minute drive from Whistler, offers world-class golfing and some of the best outdoor activities in the province, from hiking, climbing, horseback riding to hanggliding, river rafting and canoeing.

Thompson Okanagan

The Thompson-Okanagan region is a popular tourist destination with a sunny climate, beautiful landscapes and relaxed lifestyle. Famous as “Canada’s Wine Country” with well

over 300 licensed wineries, the Okanagan Valley has some of the best fruit and vegetable-growing soil in the world. Dozens of parks surround Okanagan Lake, a huge outdoor adventure playground that has something for everyone. No wonder it is one of the most desirable locales in the province for yearround outdoor fun.

The Shuswap, north of the Okanagan, with its vast lake system and more than 1,000 kilometres of shoreline to explore, boasts the largest houseboat fleet in Canada, and one of the largest in the world. Nothing better than drifting along the lake gazing at blue skies and gorgeous mountains.

Kootenay Rockies

The region that comprises the Kootenays and BC Rockies, is dominated by majestic mountains and clear lakes. Some serious adventures await the visitor, with another postcard-worthy view just around the corner. It is truly heaven for the outdoor enthusiasts.

Cariboo, Chilcotin, Coast

BC’s wild, wild West, the Cariboo region is known for vast landscapes with rolling hills, deeply incised rivers, and countless lakes. It has a rich history as a land born of dreams … dreams of discovery and instant riches. The Gold Rush. Today, you will find excellent accommodations, from luxury resorts to lakeside cabins, and great outdoor activities, from mountain biking, to whitewater rafting and fishing in the mountains.

Northern BC & Haida Gwaii

Northern BC offers a unique wilderness experience with its deep fjords, dramatic canyons, dominating mountains, clear rivers and an abundance of wildlife.

Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii offers one of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world. It is made up of about 150 islands with unusual and abundant flora and fauna and the marine and wildlife diversity of the surrounding waters and forests make it an ecological marvel.