One of the best parts about travel blogging, is that I get to learn about some of the new and exciting happenings in the travel world.
No matter where I am, online or off, I am always keen to learn and hear about destinations and travel hubs around the world. Especially from those who have been there and done that.
When Destination BC recently visited DC to show off their latest marketing tool, tours of British Columbia through a virtual reality, I set off for the Fairmont in the hopes of visiting the great outdoors without ever leaving the comfort of a hotel. Although the virtual reality had not begun, I walked into a conference room that was transformed into a campsite fully equipped with a tent, camping chairs and marshmallow roasting. I heard the hotel they visited in NYC even brought in a batch of pine trees. I wish I could have seen that indoor forest!
While I chattered away most of the time with Janice discussing desires to travel and swapping stories of adventures recent and long ago, what I really enjoyed was learning about a destination not so far off. I have come to realize that, living in North America, I am constantly thinking of other continents for exotic and foreign travel. Janice and I laughed when we realized we have developed a mutual interest in the midwest and west coast for travel. We agreed that it’s not until you get a little overseas travel out of your system that you can look into your own backyard for inspiration. If you’re thinking travelling overseas, take a look at Jettly private jet hire to see how you can really upgrade your travel experience.
________
Take a look at how they made the virtual reality experience if you’re curious:
________
While my travel is all booked up for the next few months, I am looking for new adventures for the spring and summer. After going on a virtual tour of the BC coast, a virtual hike through the forests and perusing the pages of their vacation planner, I have decidedly added British Columbia to my travel bucket list and here is why you should too.
1. Pick your perfect vacation or don’t pick at all and enjoy the diversity of this destination
As HelloBC says, British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, spans nearly a million square kilometers of mountains, forests and beaches, cosmopolitan cities and friendly little towns. With all this being said, it comes as no surprise that people are deciding to look into short term rentals toronto, as Canada overall is such a pretty place to live in. Set between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, BC’s diverse landscapes encompass more than 13 world-class ski resorts, thriving wine regions, thousands of miles of coastline and dozens of championship golf courses, all offering unbeatable opportunities for outdoor adventure and urban experiences. This is definitely somewhere that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, especially golf lovers. And when you return home, you can continue with this fun by deciding to buy an indoor golf simulator, (check this out here) so you can revisit these amazing golf courses whenever you want to. Just being able to say that you went there is special.
2. Take a cruise out for whale watching
Or if you are ready for a more hands-on adventure book a kayaking tour. Either way you’ll have the chance to spot Orcas, grey, humpback and minke whales depending on which part of BC you depart from, or if you’re wanting to head somewhere a little warmer then search online for san diego whale watching, there are some great spots in San Diego to do some whale watching as well as other water activities. For other unique water adventures you can snorkel with the salmon as they swim up Campbell River or enjoy some of the best cold-water scuba diving in the world in the waters surrounding Vancouver.
3. Follow the wine route signs for a fun tour of the vineyards in Cowichan Valley
Or sip on local ciders from the orchards and taste local cheeses. There are many vineyards and farms to discover and the valley enjoys some of the warmest average temperatures in British Columbia. You can also catch preplanned wine routes along the Kelowna wine trail.
4. Enjoy epic skiing and other outdoor action at Whistler
Whether you arrive at Whistler at the peak of ski season or during the summer, there are an abundance of outdoor activities available at your fingertips. I am by no means an expert, or even remotely gracefully skiing flying headfirst down the slopes but it’s fun and it gets the adrenaline pumping. Whistler also boasts sandy beaches on crystal-clear lakes and horse-drawn sleigh rides for those times you need to take the day off.
5. Hunt for gems on Rock Candy Mountain
Or you could pan for gold on the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. Either way it’s finders keepers. There are a number of other experiences to send you back in time, to experience the history of this region.
6. Visit the city of Victoria
This city offers a unique fusion of British, European and Asian culture mixed with Aborginal traditions and a youthful energy. Visit a castle, stop for teatime or discover the tallest totem pole.
7. Discover the point where mountains meet city in Vancouver
This is exactly the kind of destination where I would find my way to the highest view point possible for a panoramic experience of the city. The Harbour Centre Tower offers an observation deck but I just might book a flight tour to get up even higher or paddle away for a view from afar.
8. Go chasing waterfalls
If my virtual hiking experience was any indication, the opportunities to chase waterfalls in BC are plenty. One of Canada’s highest waterfalls, Takakkaw Falls is surrounded by 28 mountain peaks over 3,000 meters high.
9. Catch a view of the Northern Lights
If these stunning photos by the Aurora Hunter don’t convince you, I’m not sure what will.
10. It’s the perfect destination for a roadtrip
With so much to see and so many decisions to make, why not have the ultimate control over your trip and roadtrip wherever your heart desires? Hello BC offers suggestions for routes or you could just turn off the GPS and follow the open road.
Have you been to British Columbia? I’d love to here all about it!
Have I convinced you to add BC to your bucket list? I am surely going to get there eventually, and I am hoping to go sooner rather than later. What time of year should I go and how do you pick just one region?
(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i[‘GoogleAnalyticsObject’]=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),
m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)
})(window,document,’script’,’//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js’,’ga’);
ga(‘create’, ‘UA-49466220-1’, ‘auto’);
ga(‘send’, ‘pageview’);