Wings and Wheels

In need of a getaway to focus on wellness? Richmond and Whistler, British Columbia, have you covered this summer for the ultimate treat yo’ self adventure. —Vicki Duong

sweat. Start your day in Richmond with a bike ride that lets you take in views of the Fraser River. Ideal for those looking to keep the leisure light, U-Bicycle takes all the guesswork out of where to go in Richmond by offering a two-hour tour that includes five stops between the Richmond Olympic Oval and Steveston’s Fisherman’s Wharf. With both bike and helmet provided all you need to bring is a full bottle of water before embarking along the West Dyke Trail.

satisfy. Fisherman’s Wharf houses dozens of lunch spots, including Britannia Brewing Co. With naturally crafted ales brewed less than 10 minutes away it’s clear to see why there is usually a wait for a table at this Steveston Village joint. Looking for beer with a unique flavour profile? Try the Sirens Chai Saison consisting of an actual rooibos tea blend!

stretch. Centre yourself with Sunberry Fitness while supporting animal welfare via a bunny yoga class! Go through easy stretch sequences with cuddly rabbits sharing the studio space. Sunberry works with Bandaid for Bunnies to raise funds to bring public awareness to rabbits abandoned in parks within Richmond. Bonus: you’re encouraged to snap pics during the class so get ready to hashtag #BunnyYoga.

sup. Dine well with 75 Coast Grill‘s contemporary menu featuring a variety of dishes perfect for sharing. Our personal faves: the grilled lamb chops with chimichurri and dukkah and the Takoyaki-style prawn and octopus fritters (a new addition!). Save room for dessert; the blueberry cheesecake is not to be missed.

sleep. Rest easy at the newly renovated Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel. The redesign includes sliding doors, TVs equipped with Netflix and a plethora of electrical outlets and USB ports. Worth the splurge is the upgrade for access to the Club M Lounge, open 24-7 with beverages, Nespresso machines, a cereal bar and buffet service.

soar. With new seasonal services of flights from Richmond to Whistler, Harbour Air Seaplanes makes it easy to enjoy the best the west coast has to offer. Not only is getting to Whistler quick (a little over an hour!), you’ll be able to enjoy scenic views flying over Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, Stanley Park and beyond.

savour. Would any weekend in Whistler be complete without a memorable brunch? Head to the Clubhouse Terrace at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club for dishes with dynamite views. Tuck into the fried oatmeal (steelcut oats pan fried in maple syrup with a generous topping of lemon curd and blackberries) or the Cure Burger (guaranteed to cure you from last night’s shenanigans).

splurge. Book a Porshe offroad driving experience with Canadian Wilderness Adventures. Not only will you get to explore trails specially designed for off-roading, a tour guide will lead you through various courses allowing you to drive down steep valleys and through extremely uneven terrains.

sweets. Satisfy your craving for campfire classics in the courtyard of the Four Seasons. With comfy chairs and a camper trailer, guests can cosy up to the firepit while sipping on hot cocoa and roasting marshmallows—there’s all the fixings you need to make s’mores!

see. The Audain Art Museum is an architectural must-see, inside and out. The permanent collection proudly displays B.C. art including James Hart’s The Dance Screen (The Scream Too)—a stunningly large Native American piece made of carved cedar. Join daily tours free with the cost of admission to learn more about the history and culture of those indigenous to B.C.

sip. Designed to be as photogenic as it is tasty, the cocktail menu at Sidecut reads like a travel pamphlet with a dozen different boozy concoctions based off mountains landscapes. For a "lavation" inspired by one of three active volcanos in Guatemala, order the Volcan de Fuego—a smoky take on a rum old-fashioned that comes in it’s own smokehouse!

slumber. Check in to the Four Seasons Whistler, with accomodations mirroring that of a cosy ski lodge. Rooms come equipped with working fireplaces, luxe bathrooms with beautiful stone and marble work and stunning views of the slopes nearby. Guests there may even meet Maola—an Alaskan Husky who is the unofficial resort dog!