3 great B.C. escapes within a drive or ferry ride from Vancouver

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      There’s a reason why the area northwest of West Vancouver is called the Sunshine Coast. In its dozen seaside villages, you’ll find everything from funky galleries to world-class kayaking escapes, as well as plenty of sunny weather at this time of year.

      For boaters, the fishing community of Egmont is one of the most sought-after destinations. That’s because at the turbulent Skookumchuck Narrows, 200 billion gallons of water flow as fast as 32 kilometres per hour through the constrained passage during peak tides.

      If you’re looking for stunning scenery out your window, the cliffside West Coast Wilderness Lodge is just five kilometres away. Not only can you hike from your luxurious room to the rapids, but you can also cruise from the resort up Princess Louisa Inlet. The West Coast Wilderness Lodge also offers wildlife tours.

      The Pemberton Valley Lodge is one of Canada's greenest hotels.
      Pemberton Valley Lodge

      Green Mountain Getaway

      The 85-room Pemberton Valley Lodge doesn’t just profess to care about the environment. Its management walks the walk with an extensive list of initiatives that helped it win the Green Key Energy and Environment Award from the Hotel Association of Canada.

      Let’s start with the complimentary charging station for drivers of electric vehicles. Then there’s the partnership with Bull Frog Power to use green-energy credits.

      But it goes well beyond that. There’s a hotel composting program, recycled-paper products, environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, and dyed hotel towels that are reused by the pool. TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders Program and Green Tourism Canada have recognized these efforts to shrink the hotel’s ecological footprint.

      The Pemberton Valley north of Whistler has a storied history, which is captured in the local museum. The Lil’wat Nation’s rock paintings have survived for more than 2,000 years. During the B.C. gold rush of the late 1850s and early 1860s, Pemberton became a boomtown, but the economy soured after completion of the Yale-Lillooet route in 1864. The rich soil enabled farmers to produce the first commercially grown virus-free seed potatoes, in 1967. In recent years, the idyllic valley has been attracting more tourists, thanks to the upgrade of the Sea to Sky Highway before the 2010 Winter Games.

      Galiano Island provides great views of ferries travelling through Active Pass.
      Stephen Hui

      Cloud Nine is a ferry ride away

      Long-time residents of B.C. have known for years that the Southern Gulf Islands are one of the underrated jewels of our province. But this year, the secret is getting out to the rest of the world. That’s because the New York Times recommended this piece of paradise as one of its 52 destinations to visit in 2016.

      Part of the reason is the near-Mediterranean climate. Visiting the vineyards and farms on Salt Spring Island can feel like a trip to Tuscany. But even Tuscany can’t match the spectacular marine birds and mammals, including orcas, that make the waters around the Southern Gulf Islands their home.

      Toss in the hiking on Galiano Island (which includes a glorious view of Active Pass) and the biking on most of the islands and you’ve got all the ingredients for a perfect getway. Best of all, you don’t have to trade $1.46 for a euro to enjoy this glorious escape from the rat race.

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