New Year, New You! Top Resolutions for the New Year and How to Actually Make them Happen on Vancouver Island Part I

The clock has struck midnight, Auld Lang Syne has been sung, champagne has been clinked and a new year has come. Every year, millions of people across the globe make a list of their new year’s resolutions and without fail, most resolutions…well, fail. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep trying! This year, we’ve come up with a list of the most positive resolutions and real-life, local ways to get the ball rolling on the changes that you want to make happen in 2022! 

Exercise More

Every year, the number one thing on everyone’s resolutions is to lose weight and exercise more and there is no better place than Vancouver Island to get out there and find the exercise you enjoy!

Hiking

With so many options, different terrains and vistas, it’s no wonder that hiking is the most popular activity on Vancouver Island! Here are our favourites on the Island. 

Mount Douglas: If you’re looking for an incredible hike that you can get to easily from EMR Victoria rentals, this hike to the summit is perfect for a real workout and incredible views! 

East Sooke Park: Guests staying in Sooke who want to get out in nature will love this sprawling park with incredible forested trails and stunning beaches.

John Dean Provincial Park: Perfect for guests at EMR Sidney properties, this extensive and lush park offers panoramic views at the top and easy perimeter trails. 

Cobble Hill Mountain: If you’re in the Cowichan Valley and looking for a bit of a challenge, this is the hike for you! 

Englishman River Falls: Hike through old growth forests and enjoy the rushing river, ideally situated for anyone staying in Nanaimo or Parksville.

Comox Lake Bluffs: One of the best and most interesting hikes in the Comox Valley is this gorgeous ecological reserve where you can find unique plants and gorgeous vistas of the lake.  

Cycling

With a temperate climate and lots of dedicated bike paths, there is no better place on Earth to find extensive, relaxing rides to get you out there!

Lochside trail: Running from the tip of the Saanich Peninsula all the way to downtown Victoria, this trail is ideal for anyone staying at any of the EMR Sidney properties. 

Galloping Goose: This popular trail extends from downtown Victoria all the way to Sooke and is mainly flat, easy to ride and the perfect trail for guests at any of the EMR Victoria or Sooke properties.

Cowichan Valley Trail: This route is perfect for those staying in the Cowichan Valley or anyone wanting an intermediate ride to explore a new part of the island!

Live Life to the Fullest

Whale Watching with Eagle Wing Tours

For over a decade, Eagle Wing Tours has been rated the number one place in Victoria for whale watching and eco tours. With an incredibly skilled and professional team, a dedication to providing every single guest with the best experience possible and a passion for educating their guests about preserving these incredibly rich ecosystems, there’s no wonder they’re coming out on top! 

Wild Play in Nanaimo

If you want to step outside of the box and do some safe thrill seeking this year, you can’t go wrong with a trip to this incredible, nature-based amusement park for kids of all ages. Go ziplining through the trees, do the treetop obstacle course, throw a few axes or bungee jump to your heart’s content! 

Sailing Charters

There are lots of ways to experience the beauty of Vancouver Island but there’s nothing quite like the peace and quiet of gliding through the waters around this magnificent Island on a sailboat. With options for boarding at harbours in Victoria, Nanaimo, Sidney and Comox, guests staying in one of the EMR Victoria, EMR Sidney and EMR Parksville & Qualicum properties will have an easy time enjoying this activity with minimal travel and maximum enjoyment!