NEW + IMPROVED

Our latest lifestyle choices

BIKE / This summer, Mountain Equipment Co-op is launching B.C. backcountry mountain bike trips. Guided by a professional rider, the tours span seven days and include accommodation, most meals, shuttles and transfers. Trips are limited to six riders and vary from intermediate to expert-level terrain. There are three options: Sea-to-sky corridor (includes a visit to the Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa, July 9 to 15); South Chilcotins (includes campfire meals of locally sourced charcuterie and wild salmon, July 30 to August 5); and Sea-to-sky Women's Only (September 10 to 16).

SAIL / A daily luxury cruise service between downtown Vancouver and downtown Victoria was slated to launch in May. Operator V2V Vacations has partnered with Victoria's Truffles Catering, which will offer a menu featuring local and seasonal items. Three levels of seating–premium comfort, first class and royal class–offer corresponding levels of menu options. For the two more-luxurious levels, guests receive three-course menus featuring dishes such as yam and sweet potato salad, mezze plate and chocolate truffles. VQA wines are available by the glass and bottle.

SHOP / Following a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised more than US$43,000, Vancouver-based Skye Footwear has made its laceless sneakers available at skyefootwear .com. The unisex line's three models, each named for local streets, are dubbed the Lons, the Rbutus and the Powll. The form-fitting microfibre shoes are made mostly from recycled materials and designed for comfort, with a foam rubber outsole and a built-in deep gel insole. –Marcie Good