 The trend-setting and the sublime abound in southern British Columbia. There is almost no end to popular and rewarding sights. This trip, we plan to explore a few of the lesser-known gems in Vancouver, one of the world’s great cities, and Whistler, a ski and outdoor recreation area without peer – where exclusive experiences await the more discerning, adventurous traveler.
VANCOUVER
Our visit begins at the Opus Hotel, close to the inner harbor as well as some of the city’s best shops, spas and restaurants. This stylish boutique hotel delivers exquisite service in a fresh, contemporary setting that blends vibrant colors into unique and varied room décor.
It is a short drive through the heart of downtown to explore
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden – where 52 master craftsmen have fashioned natural elements into a distinctive expression of Chinese culture – the first of its kind in North America. From the garden, we venture up to Stanley Park to marvel at the park’s totem poles – colorful examples of British Columbia First Nation artistry, each with its own story to tell. And since we will be out and about at midday, we will be sure to listen for the Vancouver horns as they trumpet the initial notes of the national anthem, O Canada!
As we head back downtown, we leave plenty of time for a private guided tour of the renowned Vancouver Art Gallery. The tour promises depth and insight with inside stories, background and fascinating details. The professional animateurs who lead these indoor excursions tailor the presentation to match your level of art knowledge. Then we return to the Opus for a well-deserved rest or perhaps an innovative cocktail at the lavish, sophisticated Opus Bar – where the manager constantly creates sensational new tastes.
The next day, we combine fresh air and invigorating exercise with an educational experience on an Ecomarine Kayak Tour. Tours from May through mid-September explore the city’s cultural and natural history, marine life, the temperate rainforest – even the shimmering moonlight and sparkling city lights of a serene evening paddle.
Then we are ready to explore the British Columbia countryside, embarking on a Chef & Chauffeur culinary adventure. Tastemaker Diana Becker melds the very best of British Columbia’s bounty into an unforgettable experience. Tailored for the most discriminating patrons who require the utmost in quality and service, Becker’s excursions – available June to October– range across the region, exploring venues only the most perceptive and determined local expert could discover.
WHISTLER
A quick but spectacular drive north along the Sea to Sky Highway – or an even briefer and more awe-inspiring float-plane flight – brings us to Whistler, one of the world’s premier mountain resorts, nestled among magnificent scenery, hundreds of shops, skiing, golf and nearly every type of outdoor recreation imaginable. Among those activities, we choose a few especially memorable options.
First we hop aboard a powerful, heated snowcat for an amazing day of catskiing or snowboarding in pristine powder far from the crowds. From mid-December through April, Powder Mountain Catskiing provides transportation and a certified guide to ensure an optimal experience. The next day we top that with a sensational helicopter ride to a high alpine powder slope with Whistler Heli-Skiing – an adventure open to anyone who can handle intermediate ski runs.
After two exhilarating days on the slope, we look for a more serene experience, away from the mechanized world. Nothing could be more quintessentially Canadian than our dog-sled tour through the stunning snow-covered forests of Whistler Valley, with spectacular views of the 2010 Olympics venues. An excellent family outing that is available year-round, we choose an option that includes gourmet dining at Callaghan Lodge and learning to drive a team of Alaskan racing huskies ourselves. We note that next visit we will plan to take an unforgettable summer trek through high alpine snow.
We finish our tour with an educational experience in the backcountry, visiting a bear den, daybeds and feeding sites with researcher Michael Allen, who has been studying the black bears of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains for nearly a quarter century. Allen, who conducts personalized tours from May through October, takes us in a comfortable four-wheel-drive vehicle through beautiful hemlock cedar forests to view these wild bears in their natural habitat.
These are but a few of the extraordinary experiences that abound in British Columbia. During our visit, we discovered even more adventures to pursue – and resolved to return as soon as time permits.
 |
