(yestoforever/Pixabay)
Vancouver is a beautiful place. That’s not just bias from a Metro Vancouverite, either; the Lower Mainland is one of the most naturally stunning places on the planet. From the towering Northshore mountains to rugged rainforests, our area is a stunning showcase of a place where the human world meets the wilderness. But with all that being said, everyone needs a vacation once in a while, and as nice as it is here, sometimes being somewhere that doesn’t rain for three quarters of the year is enticing. So, where do we travel? There’s no clear answer to that question, but as an adventurer myself, I can think of a few places where you’d be hard-pressed not to run into someone from Vancouver.
Remember when I said that some people like to take a break from the rain? Some don’t seem to mind it, as Vancouver Island has cemented itself as a favorite destination for mainland tourists. Ask anyone what they think of the island and the answer is always the same: “It’s beautiful!” Besides natural beauty, there’s another big perk: It’s convenient. About 2.5 hours on a ferry from Tsawwassen (and another half an hour on the road) takes you right into the heart of historic downtown Victoria, with all the shops, dining, and attractions you could ever want. And if you’re willing to drive for a few more hours, Tofino is a haven for both surfers and storm watchers.
Beyond BC, there are several places that come to mind when one thinks of vacationing, but one stands out in the crowd. Somewhere convenient (well, if a 6-hour flight is your idea of convenient), full of white sand and crystal clear waters, and somewhere so jam-packed with Canadian tourists that it’s not hard to find our flag flying right beside the star-spangled banner itself. The Hawaiian islands provide a sense of safety for Canadian tourists, as part of the United States, it’s about as stress-free as international tropical travelling gets, and for Vancouverites, it’s like stepping into a different world. Instead of beaches covered in barnacle-laced boulders, the islands are home to some of the greatest recreation-friendly beaches on earth. I visited Waikiki beach on O’ahu for the first time last month, and I’ve never seen bluer water in my life. Their relatively small size makes them a breeze to trek across. For instance, traveling halfway across Maui takes roughly the same amount of time as driving from Langley to Vancouver in low traffic. With tourist attractions at every turn, there’s enough to keep you busy for months. For those assuming I’m greatly exaggerating Metro Vancouverites’ love for Hawaii, here’s some proof. Two years ago I visited K’aui, the northernmost and least travelled to of the main islands. On the beach, I noticed a man in a familiar hat. Upon closer inspection, it was a cap from a local brewery in my neighborhood in South Langley. A few minutes later, I find my dad talking with a retired Surrey firefighter he worked with years ago. Something tells me this isn’t common in many other places.
Another tropical location on the itinerary is Mexico, which is the second most-travelled-to country by Canadians outside of the US. Similarly to Hawaii, its beaches are a sharp contrast to those back home, and the rich culture and cuisine provide something that can’t be found here. Europe is also a favorite, specifically the UK, France, and Italy, and of course, there’s Cuba, a country known for its staggering Canadian tourist population. And finally, there’s Canada. Well, the rest of the country that is. Edmonton, Montreal, and Toronto are just a handful of places we like to visit, as domestic vacations are as hassle-free as they get.
With all that being said, I can’t help but feel a sense of comfort when I get back from a vacation. While most are justifiably upset to leave a tropical destination like Hawaii, as soon as the plane lands at YVR, I’m happy to be home. No matter how blue the waters at Waikiki Beach are, nothing beats the panorama of the north shore, the sunsets at English Bay, or the calm quiet of the rainforest. So even though travelling is fun, I feel privileged to call this place home.
Written by Noah Schmidt
Contact: nschmidt20@my.bcit.ca