With many families sheltering at home due to the COVID-19 virus, this year’s Mother’s Day is sure to be a different kind of celebration. But even if you can’t take your mom to her favorite brunch spot, or if you can only celebrate virtually this year, there are still ways you can treat your mom to a celebrity-status Mother’s Day in 2020. Read on for seven of our favorite ways to celebrate Mother’s Day at home.

Make Her Favorite Meal

With so many families being confined indoors together, moms around the globe are serving up more homecooked meals than usual. Give your mom a break from kitchen duty by serving her a delicious meal she didn’t have to prepare! Make her favorite family recipe or dessert and present it to her VIP-style (that means no clean-up when she’s done). Bonus points if you serve her breakfast in bed like the queen she is!

Isolated apart? No problem! Order her favorite meal and have it delivered to her door with a note promising to take her to that favorite restaurant as soon as you can. You’ll put a smile on her face and get to support a local business at the same time. Truly a win for everyone.

Turn Your Backyard into a Mother’s Retreat

Since you can’t send your mom to a secluded retreat this year, make one instead. Order a cozy hammock and set it in a shaded spot where mom can lounge. Mix up her favorite cocktail and scour the bestseller’s list for a juicy new read in her favorite genre. A few distraction-free hours in her new backyard paradise and mom will forget she’s not relaxing in a tropical oasis or mountainside paradise.

Order a Personalized Puzzle

Mothers fawn over personalized gifts, and puzzles are an easy and fun way to pass a long afternoon indoors. Order a puzzle made from a cherished family photo for a sweet keepsake gift that’s practical and priceless. With so many stores closed, Etsy is a great place for unique, personalized gifts. Include a picture frame so mom can hang it on the wall when she’s done.

Give Her an At-Home Spa Day

Nothing says I appreciate you like a day of pampered relaxation. Since you can’t book a day in the spa right now, gift your mom everything she needs to make her own spa day at home! Send a pre-made gift basket, bundle her favorite products in a homemade gift, or go DIY-style by making fun, at-home facial scrubs you can use together. Don’t forget to throw in a candle and add some soothing music to her playlist for at-home ambiance!

Send Her Flowers

It may seem obvious, but the quintessential Mother’s Day gift is tailor-made for a separated celebration. If mom is spending a lot of time at home right now, brightening up her space with a cheery bouquet is a great way to show you care. Many local florists have turned to no-contact deliveries to stay open, and online flower shops like 1-800-Flowers have tons of options to choose from that can be delivered to any physical address.

Enjoy a Virtual Experience

If your mom treasures new experiences over physical gifts, a virtual experience is a great way to speak her love language from afar. Since we can’t travel, companies in almost every industry have crafted fun virtual experiences you can do from home! From cooking classes to painting parties to 360° tours of iconic places like The Vatican, you can gift your mom a unique experience she can enjoy without ever leaving her couch. If you’re game, jump on a video call and enjoy it together for some memory-making magic!

Give Her an I-O-U

With no clear end-date insight, it can be easy to forget that the current situation is temporary. Give your mom something to look forward to with a homemade coupon she can redeem down the road. From a future shopping sesh to a fun weekend getaway to her favorite destination, the promise of some quality time outside of the home down the road will keep her smiling through the days to come.

Coronavirus, more specifically COVID-19, is the topic on everyone’s minds today. And, not just in health-talk circles, but in schools, the workplace, on social media, and yes, in the travel industry. Offering world-class service and putting our guests first has always been something that is core to our business.  And we wanted to pass along as much information as we could regarding this virus, knowing that facts and truths may ease your concerns. Keep in mind that at the time of this message, the only travel mandates we are seeing from officials pertain to cruise ships and international travel.

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the CDC of the United States have been conscientious in updating the public regarding this global virus outbreak, but nonetheless, fears mount as many folks must travel for business and others want to travel for leisure. As spring break and summer vacations approach, education seems to be the cornerstone for protecting yourself and your family, keeping in mind that healthy individuals are typically able to rebound from coronavirus, as well as the flu, colds and other illnesses.

Opportunity to Travel and SAVE

While much of the information widely available discusses the impact the virus has had on international travel and air travel, the industry is seeing an increase in families packing up the vehicle and heading out to destinations that they can drive to.   With limited exposure to large, confined crowds, the ability to prepare your own meals, and access to your own vehicle for activities and sightseeing, many people are adjusting their travel plans to include those favorite destinations that are within driving distance of home base.  

And for those that are considering air travel, we’ve seen many carriers slash fares and provide some big savings due to the dip in demand.  In addition, we’ve heard that some local companies are offering discounted rates on dining, activities, and such. 

Key Points to Ponder

While there are varying opinions on what started this, most professionals agree that precautionary measures are a person’s best defense. Follow the Government of Canada for daily updates on COVID-19 and take some common-sense approaches to wellness to help stay healthy. Many of these practices are things you should already be doing on a regular basis.

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Discontinue the practice of shaking hands and perhaps opt to wave or elbow bump for a greeting.
• Keep tissues on hand to cover coughs and/or sneezes, discarding following use.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid touching your face, mouth and nose.
• Routinely disinfect items touched regularly (countertops, bathroom surfaces, personal cell phone, etc.).

Also, remember these important facts that have been stressed by the CDC.

• With regard to COVID-19, reported illnesses vary greatly between mild and severe. Some people have had little to no reported symptoms while others have been severe. Currently, information gathered suggests that MOST COVID-19 illness is mild (only 16% of cases have serious illness).
• Older people and those with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, to name a few, seem to be at a higher risk for serious illness.
• The immediate risk of being exposed to the virus currently is thought to be low for the majority of folks.
• The United States has not seen widespread circulation of COVID-19 in most communities at this time.

With no domestic travel restrictions at this time, plan that vacation and enjoy some time in your happy place, putting into practice these CDC-recommended tips for better health and wellness.

Again, this is an evolving situation. As you travel, take additional daily medications and over-the-counter meds you might need in case of a travel delay, and rely on CDC updates and Public Health Agency updates to stay well and safe.   Maybe it’s time for a relaxing getaway from all of the hustle and bustle!  We hope to see you soon! 

Dappled spots of sunlight on the leaves, the sound of faraway birds calling, the smell of moss and thick, moist earth – when you’re deep in the forest, every sense is tantalized. It’s a very different feeling than when you’re cooped up indoors, stuck in an hours-long meeting, or gritting your teeth in rush-hour traffic; most of the time, we don’t even notice the sights, smells, or feelings that surround us.

There’s nothing quite like the calm, introspective feeling we get when surrounded by nature. Writers and poets have tried – and many come close – but the exact words still elude us. In Japan, they call this phenomenon shinrin-yoku. In English, it translates to “forest bathing.” It may sound like a word from a pseudo-science journal, but it’s a legitimate form of nature therapy that’s taking over British Columbia – and the rest of the world.

If you’re new to forest bathing, here’s what it is, why it’s beneficial, and why Victoria, British Columbia is the best place to give it a try.

What is Forest Bathing?

We don’t mean literal bathing, but in a way that’s exactly what it is. Forest bathing is a form of nature therapy in which you immerse yourself in the calming ambiance of the forest and absorb the world around you through all of your senses. In other words, you’re bathing your body and mind in the forest wilderness. It’s a romantic concept, and one that’s helping people around the globe reconnect with nature and escape the anxiety of a busy world.

It sounds like hiking, but it’s actually much different. Forest bathing has a bit more intention than a hike, and it’s done at a much slower pace. It’s probably the opposite of cardio – the point is to move slowly through the environment as you touch, smell, see, and hear the world around you. You’re not aiming for a particular destination, but focusing solely on the details of the place you’re at right now. Running your fingers over gritty tree moss, marveling at the splash of color inside a wild forest flower – these are common stops on a forest bathing tour, and they each help you observe and appreciate your surroundings and yourself like never before.

By nature, forest bathing can be done solo; you just need a stretch of dense forest and an hour or two to spend inside it. But it has also become a popular group activity, and guided forest bathing tours are on the rise around the globe. Your guides aren’t therapists, but they can help you stay intentional and point out details that you may miss alone. It’s a great activity for vacationers, who can take advantage of their worry-free trip to explore the outdoors and seek internal satisfaction. Plus, it’s a great way to explore the wilderness of a new landscape – and it’s one that you can take with you when you go.

What Are the Benefits of Forest Bathing?

If you’re asking why forest bathing is so popular, you’re not alone – the average person spends 90% of their lives indoors. But the mental and physical benefits of spending time outdoors can’t be ignored, and forest bathing takes that to a whole new level. By being intentional with your time, you reap bigger benefits and create a deeper connection to nature than if you just stood outside. In fact, the benefits of forest bathing include helping you de-stress, encouraging creativity, and improving concentration. Plus, it’s really, really pretty.

But it’s not just mental health. Spending time outdoors boosts your vitamin D, combats obesity, and speeds up recovery. You may not get all of those benefits from just one session, but forest bathing can instill a love for the outdoors that keeps you moving outside and makes you healthier in the long run.

Better mental and physical health AND stunning nature views? Sign us up!

Forest Bathing in British Columbia

When it comes to forest bathing any forest will do, but Victoria’s landscape was made for it. From lush rainforests to wild miles of dense firs, the area boasts plenty of forest terrain that’s packed full of sights, smells, and wildlife that are sure to leave you breathless (and stress-free!). Plus, everything you need to take a spiritual forest bath is within easy reach of the city! Add all of that into a temperate climate that’s made for exploring, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a rejuvenating nature experience. Goldstream Provincial Park and Cathedral Grove are both popular spots for wilderness walking.

But it gets better! Not only do we have the forests, but thanks to its riding popularity we also have plenty of forest bathing guides. As the concept has caught on, companies throughout the area have started offering forest therapy tours and guided forest bathing for visitors and locals. In fact, Haida Bolton is British Columbia’s first certified forest therapy guide, and she conducts tours right here in Victoria through her company, Nature with Haida.

Whether you want a quick solo session or a fully guided tour, Victoria is a must-see destination for forest bathing. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t love a chance to calm their mind while exploring a centuries-old rainforest?

Here’s the best part: our Victoria vacation rentals put you right near the forest for easy access to your forest bathing future. Some of them even offer stunning forest views to keep you in that relaxed mindset long after you’ve left the trees (but they still have everything you need to stay clean and comfy). Book yours today!

When you’re on vacation, you’re already lucky. In British Columbia, you can take that luck even further by visiting one of the premier gaming casinos. Gambling in British Columbia is legal for anyone over the age of 19, and winnings are totally tax-free for Canadians, making it a fun (and lucrative) way to spend a night – and morning – out. Though there are 36 casinos throughout British Columbia, we’ve combed the lot to bring you the top gaming spaces in the most popular areas. They’re large, luxurious, and full of luck – and they’re waiting for you to try your hand. Get ready for your date with lady luck at these top British Columbia casinos.

Elements Casino 

Elements Casino is one of the premier casinos in British Columbia – and for good reason. It boasts 35,000 square feet of fun, including slots, gaming tables, live events, and restaurants. Take a spin on more than 770 slot machines, try your hand at popular table games like Blackjack or Texas Holdem’, or keep it classic with such favorites as Wheel of Fortune or Powerbucks. When you need a break, recharge at one of four different dining spots that offer a variety of eats from Asian-inspired dishes to convenient buffets. You’re always lucky in The Platinum Room, where you can enjoy the best in live entertainment. The best part? All this fun in a prime location, just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria and easily accessible by shuttle. 

Does Elements suit your style? Book one of our Victoria rentals to be close to the action! 

Hastings Park Racecourse

Hastings Park is a historic racetrack, dating back to 1889, and its scenic mountain views set it apart from other gaming venues. They offer a variety of ways to test your luck: you can place your bets on the onsite live thoroughbred races or try your hand at traditional casino games. Either way, you can bet you’ll find fun. They also have seasonal promotions, daily happy hour, and a great rewards program to entice you even further. Five distinct dining options round out this full-scale gaming paradise, making it the perfect way to spend an afternoon or entire night. 

River Rock Casino Resort

The River Rock Casino in Richmond is one of the most popular casinos in the area. That’s probably thanks to its world-class gaming floor – more than 1000 slots, popular table games, dedicated poker rooms, and high-bet lounges make it easy to find lady luck any night of the week. If you’re a regular, their membership program gets you special discounts, exclusive ticket sales, and entrance to nightly draws. Step over to the River Rock Show Theatre to enjoy popular live shows from such acts as Criss Angel or Bob Saget. After you’ve filled your wallet, fill your stomach at one of six dining options that range from light eats to full-course meals. Their relaxing waterfront location gives you a great break from the excitement and is just minutes from downtown Vancouver.

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver brings you everything you expect from The Hard Rock name. It’s the largest casino in British Columbia by gaming space, boasting over 80,000 feet of slots, table games, betting lounges, and private card rooms. The casino runs frequent promotions and has a great reward program for return guests. It’s all fun, but not all games – three onsite entertainment venues bring the latest big-name acts in music, comedy, theater, and more. When it’s time to regroup, choose from seven distinct dining options including everything from quick-service bistros to authentic ethnic eateries. And when it’s time to go home, get there easily by on-site shuttle, public transit, or taxi services. 

Parq Vancouver

Parq Vancouver casino brings a taste of Las Vegas to downtown Vancouver. 72,000 square feet of slots, tables, and high-bet VIP salons provide endless opportunities for play. They also have monthly free play jackpots, prize giveaways, and game promotions to extend your luck. As part of a larger resort, the casino also offers first-class dining, live entertainment, and spa/wellness services. It’s the newest casino to the Vancouver area but has quickly become one of the most popular. 

The casinos aren’t the only place you’ll feel lucky. When you book your Vancouver stay with us, you’re already a winner! Book your stay in the Greater Vancouver area for easy access to all these great Vancouver-based casinos. Browse our available rentals today to get ahead of the game. 

With #BookDirect Education Day approaching on February 5, we’re gearing up to spread the word on how booking direct can save you time, money, and hassle on your next vacation. These days, the number of online travel sites (third-party agencies like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, etc) can be overwhelming! We’re here to shed some light on why you should always book directly – and why third-party travel sites are not the best option for a stellar vacation.

Here’s what you get when you #BookDirect:

Lower Fees

When you book through a third-party travel site, that low nightly rate doesn’t show the hefty booking fees that most charge owners and renters. Companies like Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia, Booking.com and others tack on substantial fees for using their site – sometimes hundreds of dollars! But when you book direct, you bypass those hidden booking fees. At Northwest Stays, we guarantee no additional Online Travel Agency booking fees for any of our destinations!  That means less cost for your stay – and more in your pocket for spending. It’s our Best Rate Guarantee! You won’t find a cheaper price anywhere than booking direct!

Exclusive Specials

Speaking of saving money – when you book direct, you could get special pricing that third-party websites don’t offer. Most vacation rental management companies offer seasonal rates and discount pricing when you book direct, cutting your costs even more. They may even offer specials and discounts for local businesses and attractions, giving you more fun for less!  

More Choices

Many rental owners choose not to place their units on third-party sites because they’re often charged high commission rates for bookings. In fact, the best rentals in an area book easily, so they aren’t usually listed on travel sites at all. When you book directly with Northwest Stays and their local property managers, you’ll gain access to more (and better) homes and rentals to choose from. 

Local Knowledge

When you book direct, you’re working with a local owner or vacation manager – not a staff member of a large travel site who may not even live in the same state. Booking direct means you’re working with people who live, work, and play in the area, giving them intimate knowledge of your destination. They can give suggestions on local attractions, places to eat and drink, the best routes to avoid traffic, and more. At Northwest Stays, our vacation rental managers are always Pacific Northwest locals who are happy to share their expertise to give you the best local experiences. 

Easy Communication

When you book direct, you get immediate contact with your rental management company. That means questions or concerns about your stay can be asked – and answered – quicker than with large, intermediary travel sites. Sites like VRBO and Airbnb only rent you the accommodations. They aren’t there to help you should an issue arise with your rental. Having a local property manager means that if something does go wrong (don’t worry, it’s rare), they’ll be close at hand to make it right. When you book direct, your rental management company can also help with special needs or requests to make your trip easier. 

A Better Experience

Booking direct means a better overall experience. Local vacation rental management companies are more invested in your vacation and satisfaction, so they’ll go the extra mile to make sure both are five-star. They can easily match your vacation style to properties and areas to give you the best possible experience for the best possible price.Planning a Pacific Northwest vacation? Don’t take the long way around – book your trip directly with Northwest Stays and our vacation rental partners! We offer a variety of rentals and provide easy book-direct options for every one of them. It’s the easiest way to ensure a stress-free, affordable vacation to one of the most beautiful areas in the country.

If you are a frequent visitor of Victoria and Vancouver or a first-time visitor, these 2020 events are sure to keep you coming back. Plan ahead for the best lodging choices and enjoy an extra reason to travel to British Columbia’s hottest tourist destinations.

Can’t-Miss Events in Victoria

• January 17-February 2 is the highly anticipated “Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria” event with a launch gala on January 16 at the Victoria Conference Centre. The gala will showcase more than 50 local restaurants, wineries and craft breweries with tasty bites and lively entertainment. It’s perfect for socializing and learning about the foodie scene in Victoria. The two-week Dine Around event offers opportunities to dine in fabulous restaurants for three-course-meals with set pricing. Get your accommodations in order and prepare to be dazzled by Victoria’s culinary creations.
• March 20-22 brings the Capital City Comic Con to Victoria. An event dedicated to comics, toys, games, sci-fi, family fun and pop culture, Comic Con also plays host to three days of everything from panels and signings to cosplay, vendors and so much more. The event is held at the Victoria Conference Centre and Crystal Garden.
• The TD Victoria International JazzFest is a 10-day music festival that happens every June. The well-attended event features jazz, blues and world music of local Canadians and other internationally acclaimed musicians. Produced by the Victoria Jazz Society, JazzFest is the longest running, multi-day professional music festival on Vancouver Island and will be held this year on June 21-30.
• November brings cause for celebration with the 12^th Annual Habitat for Humanity Victoria Gingerbread Showcase—the organization’s premier fundraiser for the year. Visit between mid-November and early January (to be determined closer to the event). Join others at The Parkside Hotel for the popular Gingerbread Showcase showing off the skills and talents of home chefs, professional bakers, artists and designers as they create masterpieces to raise much-needed funds for this cause.
• Don’t miss the Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens annually from the first of December through the first week (typically) of January. Bundle up and enjoy the Gardens decked out in holiday lights and wreaths along with festive dining, carolers, ice skating and more.

Can’t-Miss Events in Vancouver

• Vancouver International Wine Festival attracts some 25,000 wine enthusiasts to annually gather at one of the oldest and largest wine events in the world. The event is slated for February 22-March 1, open to the public and typically features a wine region to showcase each year. British Columbia’s own wines are well-represented each year and are among some 700+ wines that are sampled from across the globe in the International Festival Tasting Room. During the three-day event, you’ll also find wine dinners available in some of the city’s best restaurants as well as vertical tastings, seminars, multi-winery brunches and lunches, and upbeat wine tastings referred to as “minglers.”
• The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for April 2-26. Plan on a visit during this beautiful time when more than 40,000 cherry trees lining the city streets proudly sport their blooms and blossoms. Other notable activities that are part of this celebration include art events, community bike rides, cherry blossom viewing tours and traditional Japanese festivities. Find a room now to get your pick of accommodations and then, let the planning begin!
• July is perfect for a visit with the three-day Vancouver Folk Music Festival going on July 19-21. A major event on the world folk and roots music circuit, you’ll see local talents as well as big time international performers across eight outdoor stages. Also, there will be scores of street food selections, a crafts market and the Festival Community Village. Families are welcome (check out Little Folks Village for kid-friendly activities) as the festival draws a diverse crowd each year.

When planning allows for visits to these cornerstone cities of British Columbia, take a look at events that might spark interest for you and your family. It just makes the visit that much better.

The City of Gardens, as Victoria BC is sometimes referred to, is nestled on the southern tip of Vancouver Island sporting some of Canada’s most favorable weather. With a solid seat on the top five places to visit in Canada list, Victoria offers lots of outdoorsy thrills, gardens, water, and mountains. And, when searching for a lovely, romantic getaway, Victoria has all the cornerstones.

It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to plan a romantic trip to Victoria. Find a special property for your home base and build the itinerary with a few of your favorite things in mind. Maybe it’s art and culture that you love…maybe it’s shopping and history. We have ideas to serve as food for thought below.

Planning the Perfect Romantic Getaway in Victoria

• Tourists flock to Butchart Gardens by the (tour) busload during the daytime, but an evening gander might be just the mood-setter you are looking for. Choose a Saturday night and enjoy not only the beautiful flowers and buds, but also get a firework show to boot.
• Go exploring…hand-in-hand. Victoria’s Inner Harbor offers great gems like the Government Buildings, harbor cruises, street performers and lots of art as well as shopping and dining options.
• Don a blanket and snuggle up for a horse-drawn carriage ride through James Bay. You’ll be treated to fabulous views along with a look at historic homes, Beacon Hill Park and the harbor.
• Visit The Empress for high tea. Nosh on finger sandwiches and treats while sipping your choice from an array of teas. The views of the harbor are pretty special, too.
• Hop on a seaplane for a bird’s eye view of the Gulf Islands. Spend a half-hour or so flying high above lush gardens and spying the gorgeous coastline of the area.
• Checkout Parkside Spa for a couples’ experience. How romantic does a side-by-side Swedish Massage followed by a few quiet moments in the hot tub sound?
• Set aside one evening for The Breakwater of Ogden Point (just off of Dallas Road). Not only is the walk itself stunning, but there are also lovely photo opportunities, sunsets to die for and a little bistro on-site for dinner.

There are so many ways to include romance in your trip. Aside from these great ideas, there are dinner cruises, wine tours, kayaking and food tours, just to name a few. No matter what you fancy when it comes to a romantic getaway, you’ll find it in Victoria. What are you waiting for?

If you’re ready to ring in the new year amidst a snow-blanketed village brimming with Canadian beauty, then Whistler is your spot! Make plans now to include fabulous events ranging from family-friendly activities to bars and parties. Whistler offers a beautiful backdrop for your celebration, and we have some great ideas to get you thinking.

Whistler Village and Fireworks

Outdoor fun for families starts at noon on New Year’s Eve with a special Family Après at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Enjoy outdoor activities, entertainment and more, or head indoors for more family-friendly experiences at the Whistler Conference Centre’s Holiday Experience “Reflections and Intentions Installation” open on December 31 and January 1. Your family will love Zen gardens, water features, even a campfire where you can ponder the past and look forward to what the new year holds. Crafts, entertainment and dancing are in the Grand Foyer. Don’t forget the ever-popular bouncy land and game room as well.

Early birds can turn in early after attending a High-Flying Snow Show at 7:30 p.m. at Skiers Plaza (base of Whistler Mountain). A firework show follows at 8 p.m. If you’ve got the stamina, ring in 2020 with a Special Edition Fire & Ice Show at 11:30 p.m. with a grand firework show at midnight.

New Year’s Eve Parties

One of Whistler’s best NYE parties promises to be CIROC presents: New Year’s Eve 2020 at Garibaldi Lift Company from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. This fancy shindig aptly named “Dress To Impress” offers a bubbly midnight toast coupled with front seats to the fireworks extravaganza. Get your tickets early and if you have a group of eight or more, ask for the group rates.

Check out the lively Great Gatsby Roaring 20s NYE party at the Longhorn Saloon & Grill from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Embrace the theme by dressing in proper Roaring 20s attire and enjoy a glass of bubbly as you arrive in addition to favors and exclusive access to the Longhorn patio for the midnight fireworks show.

Perhaps one of the most anticipated events of the season is The NYE Masquerade Ball presented by Buffalo Bills Bar & Grill beginning at 9 p.m. Enjoy the beauty and ambiance of the mountains as you don a mask (handed out upon entrance) and patiently wait to unveil your identity at the midnight chime. Enjoy a champagne toast, party favors and maybe some fresh snowfall.

There are lots of other parties and bar hops to consider so spend a little time reading over the lengthy list. And, don’t forget to start your planning early for the best selection of properties in Whistler and ring in 2020 with pizzazz.

There’s just something magical about the holidays in British Columbia when the region turns into a true Winter Wonderland. It’s as close to Santa’s workshop at the North Pole as you’re likely to get. Take advantage of the myriad of holiday activities and enjoy favorite snow sports this holiday season.

Victoria for the Holidays

From Nov. 20 through Jan. 6, the Bay Centre transforms for the annual Victoria Festival of Trees. The Victoria Festival of Trees is a cherished holiday tradition and the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season in the city. The event supports kids from the community who need the care only BC Children’s Hospital can provide.

The Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens, set Dec. 1 through Jan. 6, greets the season with colorful lights, carolers, ice skating and plenty of holiday festivities. Stroll through the Twelve Days of Christmas display and stop in at the Coffee Shop to warm up with hot cocoa and gingerbread.

Set up your home away from home at our Barkeley Manor Executive duplex with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths that sits atop Gonzales Hill and offers stunning panoramic views. Or stay in downtown Victoria at our one-bedroom condos.

Holidays in Vancouver

Ride the Christmas train to see the Bright Nights in Stanley Park as the Train Plaza sparkles with three million twinkling lights. Experience the lights, breathtaking displays and live performances along the train route or view the displays at the Train Plaza by donation ($5 suggested).

Heritage Christmas is celebrated from Nov. 23 to Jan. 3 at Burnaby Village Museum in Burnaby, just east of Vancouver. Stroll through the Village streets to see wreaths, cedar swags and vintage-themed displays. Visit with Father Christmas and enjoy street characters, musicians and theatrical performances.

For winter sports enthusiasts, head to Grouse Mountain in Northern Vancouver for Peak of Christmas from Nov. 22 through Jan. 5. Stroll through the light tunnel and skate on the mountaintop ice pond, surrounded by snow-topped trees. Watch Christmas movies at the Theatre in the Sky or visit Elf Headquarters and create your own Christmas craft. Christmas activities are all complimentary with a mountain admission ticket or lift ticket.

Vancouver Island

The 4th Annual Tofino Winterlights Festival celebration of light and art at the Tofino Botanical Gardens runs nightly from 5-9 p.m. from Nov. 29 through Jan. 5. This family-friendly festival features live entertainment and children’s activities. Experience the magic of Tofino Winterlights all month long with the purchase of a Winterlights Pass.

Christmas in Whistler

Each Monday and Wednesday beginning Dec. 9, you can celebrate a great day on the slopes with a Family Apres at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Activities include snow sculpting, ice skating, musical and dancing performances, face painting, hula hooping, characters in costume, arts and crafts, popcorn, hot chocolate and s’mores, and more. Adults can sit back and sip a warm beverage while watching the kids play.

 Start a new Yuletide tradition with a stay in a region that will greet you with bells on.