Well we are now at the tail end of summer, but there is still time to make use of this wonderful time of year, if you haven’t yet. Summer is typically the time of year when people go on holidays, but not all of us have the time or money to take a week off and really get away. When you live in Vancouver, you are so close to nature that you don’t have to take a full week off to get away on a holiday, there are many places that are just a short drive or ferry ride away. These spots are perfect for a one day or overnight holiday! Here are five great spots to escape the city and get some rest and relaxation.

• The Sunshine Coast – Located just a 40 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, The Sunshine Coast has so much to offer. There are sea side cottages to rent, Cove’s for scuba diving, mountains to hike, kayak and canoe rentals, beaches and lots of excellent restaurants. Visit www.bigpacific.com/pender for more information.

• Victoria – If you have not been to British Columbia’s capital, then this trip should be at the top of your list. Victoria is home to BC’s spectacular Legislative buildings, famous botanical gardens, historic buildings, and the fantastic Royal British Columbia Museum. What’s unique about Victoria as well, is that you can tour the city by horse drawn carriage or double decker bus. Learn more about Victoria at www.hellobc.com/en-CA/RegionsCities/Victoria.htm

• Harrison Hot Springs Resort – The name of this area is misleading, because it leads you to believe that hot springs are the only place to visit here, but the truth is, there is loads of fun to be had at Harrison. You rent a boat or jet ski and have loads of fun on Harrison Lake, spend a day golfing, or go hiking. Since Harrison is only an hour and a half drive from Vancouver, it’s a great spot for a short get away. Visit www.tourismharrison.com to plan your trip.

• Cultus Lake Resort – Located in the Fraser Valley, Cultus is most well known as a great camping area with a fabulous lake. If camping isn’t really your thing, though, there are also cabins for rent so you can sleep under a firm roof on a real bed. Spending a day at the lake is a perfect way to enjoy Cultus Lake, but if you want more excitement, you can also visit the Cultus Lake Water Park, or go on a river rafting trip. Visit www.vancouverisland.com/regions/towns/?townID=3358

• Point Roberts – As you probably know, the Canada-US border is very close to Vancouver, but what you might not know, is that just south of Tsawwassen is a small US town that is only accessible through Canada. Rather than drive all the way down Hwy 99 until you get to the Peace Arch Border Crossing, to get to Point Roberts, you have to turn west on Hwy 17 and drive through Tsawwassen to the border crossing. Point Roberts is sparsly populated compared to Tsawwassen, but it is the perfect spot for a day get away from the city. You can hike along the banks at Monument Part, enjoy a day at the beach or bring your bike and tour the town that way. Read up on Point Roberts at www.pointrobertstourism.com

Hopefully you can make time to take a break and get away, even if it is just for the day. (Photo courtesy of Chrispitality)