Things to Do in British Columbia

While man has not yet mastered a bird's ability to fly, we can approximate their effortless motion and unrivaled views through the glider airplane. Nestled in the Alberni Valley, the Vancouver Island Soaring Centre leads passengers on elevated journeys across the mountainous natural scenery. The VISC's fleet of PW-6U and PW-5 Smyk gliders are made of composite materials, making them light and ideal for sneaking up on cumulonimbus in the morning while they are still busy gluing on fresh cotton balls. In a Piper Pawnee plane, a pilot certified by Transport Canada leads each flight to a height of 2,000–6,000 feet before releasing the glider into the blue expanse. A separate certified pilot directs the craft from the back seat as the craft is kept aloft by thermal energy. Vancouver Island Soaring Centre can also record each blissful flying experience onto a take-home USB drive.

Rows of sleek, black SODI GT5 go-karts vibrate at the start of TBC Indoor Racing’s 1/5-mile track. Drivers hover 2 inches above the ground, anxiously awaiting the moment they can slam down the gas pedal and accelerate their vehicle capable of reaching speeds of up to 75 km/h. Everyday from 10 a.m. until midnight, an adrenalin-fuelled parade of karts hugs the course’s 13-turns as drivers 11 and older flex their navigational muscles and best their times using a high-tech digital timing system. In between laps, video games and air hockey occupy fingers itching for the steering wheel. The family-friendly environment, kept fume-free via the karts’ clean air exhaust systems, hosts solo riders, as well as groups that can rent out the full service banquet meeting room to celebrate a birthday or conduct field research about popular carpet fabrics.

Healing others has been a part of Neata Auttapong’s life since she was a child growing up in Thailand, where, as Fresh Vancouver noted, she began learning the art of Thai massage at the age of 12. Years of learning holistic practices from the top healers in Thailand eventually led Neata to Vancouver, and since arriving, she’s opened three Sabai Thai Spa locations. Perhaps the spa’s expansion can be chalked up to the waterfall of accolades it’s gained, including praise from The Express show on Shaw TV and from _Coco Magazine_in Japan.

At each location, staff members reach for Éminence Organic Skin Care products during nine types of facials, and they send clients home with organic products from Dannyco and SpaRitual. Sabai’s menus are also packed with 14 types of massages, which clients can enhance with aromatic scents, exfoliating body wraps, and a refreshing mani-pedi that leaves digits cleaner than Mr. Clean’s morning kids show after the censors get through with it.

During a full day of daycare, canines will enjoy leashed walks throughout the neighbourhood while also getting the opportunity to stretch out their legs on more than 3,000 square feet of play area, including 600 square feet of outside romping space. Give your Chihuahua the social interaction it so sorely lacks, or let the family Schnauzer enjoy surroundings that aren't covered in newsprint wallpaper. The Woof will pick up pooches anywhere in North Vancouver or Burnaby, including office buildings (pick-up and drop-off outside of those areas will cost $5 each way). Purchase up to five Groupons and give your better half five days of tail-wagging tranquility at The Woof.

The rhythm of waves lapping against the shores of Ucluelet's harbour floats into the Surfs Inn Guesthouse as crisp gusts of mountain air envelop visitors in nature’s unspoiled serenity. Amid the hilltop guesthouse’s cozy confines, a crackling fireplace in the shared living room beckons backpackers to gather in front of its flames, swap adventurous tales, and play jacks for traveller's cheques. Nestled in the shadow of an old-growth rainforest’s ancient trees, a trio of private cottages, hand-built using wood from the property, affords guests a tranquil respite paired with convenient WiFi access. Each morning, feet weary from running through the minds of lovesick suitors bask in soothing warmth as they touch down on the cabins’ heated slate floor tiles. The Surfs Inn’s affable staffers can expound upon wave riding during on-site surfing lessons, and a host of nearby attractions—such as whale watching and hiking—grants eyes a chance to drink in the verdant vistas afforded by the West Coast’s lush terrain.

Tipplers who choose the Naramata Wine Tour will traverse the vineyard-lined vistas of the Naramata Bench, visiting five to seven wineries, such as Elephant Island Orchard Wines, Laughing Stock Vineyards, and Red Rooster Winery. The Kelowna Wine Tour leads libation lovers into the sun-soaked wealth of Kelowna's wineries, with such featured stops as the Mission Hill Family Estate and Quails' Gate. Guided by an expert in the ways of wining, both tours regale visitors with tales of grapedom and include chauffeured transportation, ensuring guests will save enough energy for decadent imbibing. Naramata pick-up and drop-off is at the Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa, about a five-hour drive from Vancouver; Kelowna pick-up and drop-off is at the Best Western Inn Kelowna, about a 4.5-hour drive.