BC Staycation


Travel has become such an important part of our lives, especially in recent years. In addition to the benefits of getting “away from it all” and taking a break from work, travel helps everyone to experience new places, scenery, and cultures. It’s always fun to see someone posting about going somewhere new or trying cuisine they’ve never had before!

While we aren’t able to travel as widely or freely at the moment, you can still get so many benefits from a staycation experience in your own town, or one nearby! Enjoy the luxury of a hotel pool and hot tub or splurge and get yourself an in-room jetted tub! Be closer to local restaurants or indulge with room service! Staying in a local hotel or resort can allow you to get some much-needed one-on-one time with your partner or family, away from the distractions of your everyday environment. Treat yourself this winter by taking advantage of our Local Now. Travel Later. promotion! Stay two nights and receive a $50 dining credit to be used during your stay as well as a voucher for a future free night valid at ANY Prestige Hotels and Resorts location! Prestige Nelson - Hampton (4) There is a special kind of magic that comes with being a tourist in your own town. It allows us to see our streets with new eyes and explore outside of our usual routes. How many of us keep saying “Oh, I’d love to go there/do that one day”? Today can be your day to have an entirely new experience, even if you’ve lived in the same town forever! We’ve put together some of our favorite “out of the box” ideas in communities all around the Prestige Hotels & Resorts chain so that you can stay in your comfort zone but also go beyond it. We hope you’re inspired to book a staycation in your own town and to try something new! Be sure to tag us with #prestigeadventures in your posts!

 Vancouver Island

While staying in Sooke on Vancouver Island in the winter, a unique opportunity presents itself – storm watching. The waves on the West Coast can get pretty intense during storm season, and the Prestige Oceanfront Resort is conveniently located near many parks and beaches where you can experience this phenomenon for yourself. Immerse yourself by visiting East Sooke Park or China Beach and taking in the impressive swells for yourself – but be sure to bundle up! Mystic Beach

Okanagan Valley

The Myra Canyon Trestles are located 40 minutes from downtown and the Prestige Beach House Kelowna and offer incredible views of the city and Okanagan Lake! Many locals may have heard of the trestles, and maybe even biked them in the summer, but have you ever snowshoed them? Slow down and get a different perspective of the valley while you enjoy an easy stroll through tunnels and across bridges in Myra Canyon. This is a great activity for all levels; the 12km (each way) path is wide and even with a grade of only 2%.

Myra Canyon

Photo Credit: Tourism Kelowna

Swan Lake is located just minutes from downtown Vernon and offers a great outdoor recreation space for ice fishing! Once the ice is thick enough, anglers can walk out, clear a spot, and drill a hole in which to drop their lines. Rainbow trout can grow as large as two pounds in Swan Lake. This would make for a fun day for first-timers and seasoned fishermen alike! BC Freshwater Fishing licenses are available online. Make sure to outfit yourself in warm winter gear, and to pack a picnic lunch. After spending a day on the ice, be sure to take advantage of the hot tub or a jetted tub at the Prestige Hotel Vernon or Prestige Vernon Lodge.

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If you’re staying in Salmon Arm, Margaret Falls is one natural wonder you won’t want to miss. Located just 25 minutes from the Prestige Harbourfront Resort, the falls can be accessed year-round. Be sure to wear solid shoes with good grip, as the trail can become icy in the winter from the spray off of the falls. In the spring, the run-off from the melting snow is even more impressive! This hike is just under one kilometer (each way), so you can have a bit of an adventure, even if you’re short on time. Once you get to the base of the falls, try to spot the cave behind the running water! Margaret Falls

Kootenay Rockies

Have you ever seen a wolf up close? Don’t miss the opportunity to walk with wolves and learn about these impressive creatures at the Northern Lights Wolf Centre located just outside of Golden, BC, 15 minutes from the Prestige Inn Golden. Guests can see wolves slinking through the trees, eating their meals, and playing with each other while learning more about their role in the environment. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity while you’re in the area. You can also feel good about your choice to visit knowing all the hard work the Northern Lights Wolf Centre puts into conservation efforts for wolves across Canada! Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre Radium Hot Springs is best known for its famous hot springs pools, but if you really want to earn your soak in the soothing mineral water, why not head into the backcountry for a little adventure first? Our friends at Toby Creek offer unique snowmobiling tours all winter. These can lead you to an old-growth forest, a frozen waterfall, and even to a cozy alpine cabin for lunch! There are options for the whole family, for beginners all the way to experienced riders wishing to earn a certification. After a day in the snow, the hot springs will be waiting to help thaw out your limbs and get you ready for a peaceful night at the Prestige Radium Hot Springs Resort. Photo 2018-12-23, 4 18 30 AM Cranbrook has more than just history to offer! There are indoor activities aplenty, including rock climbing and bouldering at the Arq Mountain Centre. Arq is fully equipped with rentals and experienced climbers that can help get you started or help to improve your technique! COVID procedures are in place and guests will experience a safe and sanitized place to give climbing a try. No experience is required, and kids of all ages are welcome!

The Prestige Lakeside Resort Nelson is the perfect base for your staycation adventure in the Kootenays. Located within walking distance of historic Baker Street, guests can enjoy all the unique local shops and restaurants Nelson has to offer. For an Instagram worthy experience, be sure to check out Cottonwood Lake once it’s frozen over. Locals often clear the ice and turn it into a skating rink! Located just 7 minutes from downtown, you can pick up your lunch or hot beverages to-go at our in-house restaurant Port 701 Marinaside Dining before driving to Cottonwood Lake and lacing up your skates. Bonfires are allowed, so you could easily make a day of it, leaving with many happy memories.

Northern BC

Kathlyn Lake, just minutes from downtown Smithers offers another fun winter experience. Once the edges of the lake have frozen, the snow is cleared, and locals have a great outdoor walking path! The full route takes about 2 hours to complete, so be sure to check your timing to ensure you’re back before dark. Warm-up with a coffee from Bugwood and grab dinner at Noir, the fabulous onsite restaurant at the Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge. Lake Kathlyn winter 2019What other adventures and experiences would you recommend!? We look forward to seeing what you get up to when you take your own staycation and become a tourist in your own town!

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