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Whistler BlackcombCity/Region: Ski Resorts
Consistently rated as the number one ski resort in North America, and among the best in the world, Whistler is just a two-hour drive from the city of Vancouver in the Coast Mountain range. The Village of Whistler lies cradled in a valley between two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, that rise up 5,280ft (1,609m) to provide more than 8,100 acres of prime mountain terrain, including 12 alpine bowls, three glaciers and more than 200 marked ski trails. The resort offers state-of-the-art lifts that can carry 60,000 skiers per hour
to jump-off points throughout the area. With two million visitors every year, such lift capacity becomes a necessity! Skiers and snowboarders flock here from the world over, not for the weather, which can often be wet and foggy, but for the exceptional variety of skiing. The village of Whistler is set around a cluster of small lakes and is British Columbia's fastest-growing municipality. It boasts a quaint village atmosphere and offers shopping areas and après-ski restaurants bordered by squeaky-clean streets. In summertime Whistler is a popular destination when the focus shifts to outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking and fishing.
Mount WashingtonCity/Region: Ski Resorts
The Mt Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island is the second busiest winter recreation destination in British Columbia after Whistler/Blackcomb, with an average snowfall of 30ft (9m) that usually lasts from early winter to after Easter; 50 marked ski runs, snow tubing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing trails and a snowboard terrain park. The resort is also set in a spectacular location, looking out across the Strait of Georgia with vistas of the Sunshine Coast and the peaks of the Coast Mountains. Nearby Comox Valley hosts many of the visitors to Mt Washington in its variety of hotels, motels and B&Bs that offer special ski packages during winter months. The ski resort is located 20 miles (32km) northwest of Courtenay, about three hours drive from Victoria, on Vancouver Island.
Fernie Alpine ResortCity/Region: Ski Resorts
Fernie Alpine Resort, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in the south east of British Columbia, is one of the largest ski resorts in the country. Spread along the Lizard Range, Fernie boasts excellent powder, five bowls, postcard worthy scenery and some highly challenging skiing. Its steep terrain has garnered a serious reputation, as well as a certain mystique - it is the kind of resort that die-hard snowsport fans seek out to set their pulses racing. Tucked away as it is, over three hours from Calgary, perhaps the best part of Fernie is the lack of crowds; Fernie regulars try to keep its magic to themselves. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy people-free open runs and over 2,500 acres (1,011ha) of skiable terrain. Those taking a break from the slopes can explore the picturesque town of Fernie, three miles (5km) from the resort, or indulge in some fire-side drinks and a post-mortem of the day's runs.
TofinoCity/Region: Vancouver Island
Once a fishing and logging town, Tofino, on the Pacific Rim of Vancouver Island, is swiftly becoming a popular tourist destination for travelers from around the globe. Tucked away at the entrance of the Clayoquot Sound, the area is home to the Pacific Rim National Park, gorgeous sandy stretches of beach, islands with spectacular old growth forest (still under threat from logging companies), hot springs, and Long Beach, Canada's premier surfing spot. Home to just under 2,000 locals, Tofino, with its mild climate, is resplendent with natural beauty. The area boasts plenty of activities for the visitor, including kayaking, whale watching, surfing and fishing. Hot Springs Cove, accessible only by air or sea, is open year round and visitors can soak in rock pools filled with boiling spring water cooled by ocean surf. Other popular sights include the Eik Cedar, an 800-year old tree that was rescued by residents after it was condemned to be felled; the Tofino Botanical Gardens with acres of forest, shoreline and gardens and the Whale Center Maritime Museum housing fascinating artifacts. The Wickannish Interpretive Center, containing interesting information about the region and the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, the area's original inhabitants, is well worth a visit. Tofino offers visitors the perfect combination of a range of activities, as well as a chance to relax and put their feet up, surrounded by unparalleled beauty.
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