IT’S TIME TO SPRING FREE
Escapes to get your heart pumping
After a chilly, snowy and blowy winter, it’s time to pull the chair back from the desk, go outside, tackle a new activity and get the heart pumping. Jumping into water you have never jumped into before, getting lost on your bike to watch a magical sunset, finding yourself hiking on the side of a mountain and sitting in a magical hot springs in the pouring rain are just some of the good times you’ll find with these spring adventuring options. Stop trolling Instagram, pick an activity and head out on your own perfect escape.
FRESH SURF, TOFINO, B. C.
Within a few minutes all of your senses start collapsing, joy overtakes you as you stand up. You are surfing, and it feels so good. Tofino, at the end of the road, literally, a winding, twisting stretch braided pavement through big trees, a special place to really feel like you got away. Stay right on the beach at the classic Long Beach Lodge Resort, where they offer surf lessons, board storage and the ever awesome hot tub under towering trees.
NATURAL SOAK, NELSON, B. C.
Moments of solitude in your own wild pool of hot water will provide that goodness for both mind and body. Stay in the historic Hume Hotel in Nelson, take in good eats here or just steps away in the evening after exploring the multitude of nearby hot soaks. Choose from the commercial, Ainsworth Hot Springs, a short drive away, or the rustic clothing optional Halfway Hot Springs, a long day adventure, north of Nakusp. If you choose to take in Halfway, you might want to consider taking in one of the famed circle tours, returning via Revelstoke, enjoying the mountains spectacular, over Rogers Pass.
BIG WHEELS SPINNING, KETTLE VALLEY TRAIL AND FERNIE, B. C., MOAB, UTAH
Free-wheeling long, dry, valley trails while the snow melts is the best way to strong quads. If you’re already packed, take flight to get to dry trails and the famed Slickrock of Moab, Utah or load the roof rack and head to the Okanagan to get your wheels moving on the 215-kilometre Kettle Valley Railway, from Midway to Penticton, B.C. From late spring to early summer, the trails come into perfect shape, at the nearby riding hot spots of Fernie and Golden, B.C., both with over 160 km of trail magic, fitting all variety of riding interests.
STEP OUT, KIMBERLEY, B. C.
Snow will melt quickly around, Kimberley, B.C., making the Kimberley Nature Park a good early season spot for hiking. Choose from over 50 kilometres of trail, from forested valley walks to hillside paths with marked viewpoints to glimpse surrounding peaks of the Purcell Mountains.
TRAIL RUNNING, GOLDEN, B. C. & CANMORE
Known for mountain biking, Golden is also a perfect place for trail running. If you’re just starting out, try the Rotary Trail, mostly flat and with a gravel surface. It is approximately 10 kilometres and circles town. One of the local favourites is CBT Mainline. Choose your own distance and enjoy your out and back jaunt through the forested hillside above town. Canmore offers a great variety for the trail running enthusiast. Start with the Highline Trail, for quick access. Begin your run from the Quarry Lake day use area. Enjoy rolling terrain and views overlooking the Bow River valley.
GEAR UP FOR SPRING GOOD TIMES
Shoe: Try the new Spin from Scarpa, a lightweight, rugged runner, perfect for rough trails.
Bike: Cannondale debuts the new Scalpel- Si, setting the standard for owning the long climbs and ripping the descents for your own cross-country riding pleasure.
Energy: Take along some Pro Bars, whole energy and peanut butter chocolate chip goodness.
Pack: Stuff everything in the Paragon, from Gregory Packs, and feel good with the lightest pack in the backpack category.
Sun protection: Wear the ultra light La Paz Sun Hoody, from Outdoor Research, with built-in 50 UPF sun protection, perfect for the hot trails.
Board shorts: Enjoy the surf all day in your Congo board shorts from TenTree and feel good you planted 10 trees.
Choose from forested valley walks to hillside paths with marked viewpoints to glimpse surrounding peaks of the Purcells.