WHISTLER: May 30th- May 31st
White Water Rafting
Some of the Explore students tried the White Water rafting that took place near Green Lake. They surely enjoyed a lot having their wetsuits on since the water was freezing!
Ziplining
Other students chose to try ziplining instead. They went between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains using five exciting ziplines in the Bear tour!
One can hardly go to Whistler and resist to the temptation of seeing the view from the top of the moutains! This gondola travels 1 530 meters above rainforest and goes from Whistler mountain to Blackcomb mountain. Amazing pictures guaranteed!
The Village
Of course Whistler’s village is a must see attraction. For lower budgets, El Furniture Warehouse offers delicious meals for only 4,95$! You can also find very nourishing kebabs at Fat Tony’s pizza for around the same price.
If you want to go out on the evening, the Garfinkel’s nightclub is definitely the place to go! Furthermore, don’t forget to pass by the Olympic village and take a picture of your friends and yourself with the Olympic rings.
Hiking
If you enjoy hiking, you can follow various nature trails that will lead you either to Lost Lake, Green Lake, Alta Lake or Alpha Lake. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen and bathing suit!
TOFINO: June 5th -June 7th
Going to Tofino is a long ride, but it is definitely worth it for surfing. Also, even the transportation is part of the trip since the view from the ferry is flabbergasting. You may also get to see black bears or eagles on your way to Tofino and whales and seals once you are there.
You can either take surf lessons or rent a wetsuit and a board in order to go surfing by yourself. The waves in Cox Bay were perfect on Saturday morning and those who experienced others beaches also enjoyed their time there.
Some of the Explore went to take dinner to Jack’s Waterfront Pub. Not only the view from this restaurant was amazing, but the food was also affordable and delicious.
Furthermore, if you get to visit Ucluelet, you must see the Wild Pacific trail and pass by the Lighthouse loop, mainly for the view of the Pacific ocean that you will get from that point of view.
— OTHER DESTINATIONS SOME ADVENTUROUS STUDENTS TRIED —
VICTORIA
The capital of British Columbia is clearly worth a visit! One day can be enough if you want to walk downtown and enjoy the markets but if you like museums, two days may be a better option. The ferry to commute from Vancouver to Victoria is an exciting activity in itself!
Fisherman’s wharf is amazing and is, in my opinion, the best attraction in Victoria. You may be lucky and see seals. If you do, go by the fish store: you can buy a fish for 1$ and feed the seals! You also have to try Barb’s fish and chips, the best fish and chips in North America! Absolutely delicious!
Going downtown, you will also need to pass by Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley. Moreover, there are many markets such as the Government Street Public Market and the Victoria Public Market. On your way back to the Inner Harbour, you can visit the Empress Hotel and perhaps even have a real English tea ($$$). Nearby you will also find the Royal BC museum, that is definetely to be seen and of course the Provincial Legislature Building.
After a 40 minutes bus ride, you would arrive to the Butchart gardens that are absolutely gorgeous, especially in July and August.
BANFF AND JASPER
Some students rented a car to make there way to Alberta, a 9 and a half hour drive! In Jasper, they went to Lake Maligne, Lake Medicine and Medicine Canyon. Then, they visited downtown Jasper and on their way back south, they took the Icefield Parkway (highway 93). They stopped by the Athabasca falls and the breathtaking Lake Peyto.
On the next day of their stay, they visited Lake Louise, Lake Morraine and Banff.