48-Hours with True Key Hotels & Resorts

Making the most of a weekend away can be a challenge. A two-day trip can fly by faster than you expect, leaving you with the feeling that you’ve barely scratched the surface. But plan right, and 48 hours is the perfect length of time to explore a new place – you just need a few tricks to help you along the way. Here are our ideas and highlights for planning the perfect fall and winter break. Grab your bag, put on your most comfortable shoes, and get ready to go. 

48-Hours in Parksville

Two days in Parksville is just the perfect amount of time to scrape the surface of what this hidden Vancouver Island gem has to offer. Located approximately 30 minutes north of Nanaimo makes it an easy weekend getaway for those coming from Vancouver and a perfect mid-way stop over for anyone touring the Island. It is a fantastic place to adventure the pacific northwest with outdoor activities, so here are a few highlights to fit in a 48-hour stay at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort.  

Activities:  

• Beachcombing at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park  
• Hiking or Biking at Top Bridge Park  
• Hiking at Little Qualicum Falls  
• Spa Day at Tigh-Na-Mara  
• Visit Little Qualicum Cheeseworks 
• Check out the local art and history at the Parksville Museum  

Food and Drink:  

• Serious Coffee  
• Salt Pizzeria 
• Pacific Brimm Café  
• Realm Food Co.  
• Lefty’s  
• Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company  
• Trees Restaurant and Bakery  

48-Hours in Radium Hot Springs

Radium Hot Springs is an underrated BC destination. Just 2.5 hours west of Calgary, right in the east Kootenays, you will find this haven of outdoor activities and adventure. If you can only spend a weekend in Radium Hot Springs at the Bighorn Meadows Resort, here are some highlights to make the most of this hidden gem mountain town.  

Activities:  

• Birdwatching – Did you know the Columbia Valley has 267 documented bird species?  
• Wildlife viewing, catch a glimpse of the Radium-Stoddart herd with about 150 sheep in total.  
• Take an ATV or Snowmobile tour with Toby Creek Adventures  
• Paddling the Columbia River in a canoe, kayak, or on a SUP board with Columbia River SUP Paddles  
• Radium Hot Springs Pool  
• Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or fat-tire biking at Nipika Mountain Resort  
• Ice Fishing on Lake Windermere  

Food and Drink:  

• Helna’s Stube 
• Blue Dog Café  
• Conrad’s Kitchen and Grill  
• The Old Salzburg  
• Horsethief Creek Pub  
• Screamer’s Ice Cream Café  
• Bighorn Café  
• Radium Brewing  

48-Hours in Harrison Hot Springs

Nestled along the shoreline of Harrison Lake, about half an hour’s drive northeast of Chilliwack, you’ll find a haven for adventure lovers in Harrison Hot Springs. Forty-eight hours is a perfect amount of time to experience a glimpse of what Harrison Hot Springs offers for those looking for a weekend getaway at Harrison Beach Hotel.

Activities:  

• The Sasquatch Museum  
• Take an e-bike, boat or kayak tour with Harrison Eco Tours.  
• Shop the unique stores featuring local artisans and goods  
• Birding – During the fall, 100 Heron nests are found in the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve and the Bald Eagle Tour with Harrison Eco Tours, where you can view thousands of Bald Eagles that Nest along one square mile along the river from November to January.  
• Unwind at the Healing Springs Spa  
• Visit the Spirit Trail Walk  

Food and Drink:  

• John’s Fish and Chips  
• Harrison Corner Café  
• Taco Rio  
• Milos Greek Taverna  
• Muddy Waters Café  

 

48-Hours in Sooke

Just 30 minutes west of Victoria is the quieter side of the southern island’s tourist hotspots – Sooke. Sooke has a town motto, “Where the Rainforest Meets the sea,” and is a very vibrant and welcoming community, close to many extraordinary nature trails, creeks, beaches and rugged West Coast adventuring. Here are some fall and winter activities to enjoy during a weekend trip to Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina and  SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort.  

Activities:  

• Take a stroll at Whiffin Spit  
• Storm-watching at French Beach, China Beach, Juan de Fuca and Sombrio Beach.  
• Enjoy a hike to Mystic Beach  
• Sooke Potholes  
• Zipline Tour with AdrenaLINE  
• Avatar Grove  
• Whale Watching and Wildlife Tour with Orca Spirit Adventures  
• Sooke Mountain Provincial Park  
• Fishing Tour  

Food and Drink:  

• India Delight  
• Shirley Delicious  
• The Lazy Gecko  
• Sheringham Distillery  
• Wild Mountain  
• Little Vienna Bakery  
• Route 14 Sooke  
• West Coast Grill  
• Hara Sushi 
• Sooke Brewing Co. 

Need help coming up with the perfect vacation full of bucket list items? Contact us today, and a team member would be thrilled to help!