Readers, I need your advice. Because of a certain morning show that employs him, Drew will be working the Olympics again like he did last year in Beijing. This time he'll be headed to Vancouver for about five weeks for the 2010 winter games. Last time, I joined Drew in China for the final few days of the Olympics and then he and I took off for a couple weeks of travel around the country. It was fun, it was exhausting, it was expensive, but I'd do it all over again, because how often do you get an opportunity to travel around China (especially when your boyfriend's' ticket there and back is fully paid for)?
So, when Drew got invited to work the Winter Olympics, my initial thought was that I'd tag along like I did before and he and I could travel a little like we did last time. But then I thought about it some more. You guys, it's gonna be COLD in Western Canada that time of year, and I hate cold vacations. And it's not like Vancouver is so far away — like China is — that we won't feasibly visit on our own some time. I've heard summer is a wonderful time to go. Wouldn't I be better off visiting when the weather's a bit more welcoming?
Last year in late February, Drew and I went to Costa Rica, which was not only an economical vacation, it was good for our souls, too. Nothing beats lying around on a beach at the end of February, brushing sand out of your cleavage and ordering your fifth Mojito of the day (sure, I could have done without the near-death parasailing experience, but still). I asked Drew last week if he might be ready for a vacation like that after putting in his 5 weeks in Vancouver. He works hard during the Olympics — up to 18 hours a day, six or seven days a week — and is ready to relax afterward. He said Costa Rica would be nice, but so might hanging out in some ski lodge in Canada drinking hot toddies for a few days in a row.
So, internet, what would you do? Costa Rica or Canada? (The price would probably end up being about the same.) If I went to Canada, I might get to see a couple Olympic events, though that's no guarantee. And, not to sound all snotty about it because it truly is an experience, but I've already been to two Olympics, so it's not like it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I'm passing up. Still, I'd probably fly out to Vancouver maybe a week before the games end (I can telecommute for work from there) so I'd get a longer change of scenery than if I just went to Costa Rica with Drew for a few days when he's done working. Plus, I wouldn't have to wait as long to see him! We're newlyweds, after all, and five weeks is a long time to be apart! On the flip side: five whole weeks without shaving my legs!
Okay, I guess what I'm also asking is: what should we do and where should we go if we decide on a short vacation in Western Canada in late February? Travelers, Canadians: what say you? We don't ski, we don't want to ski, but we like the idea of a cozy ski lodge. I also like pretty scenery and yummy food. Is it a waste to vacation there during winter if you aren't a skiier? Will we get bored just sittin' around a fireplace, reading books and drinking hot whiskey for five days? Will we wish we were on a beach? What should we doooo? (And sorry for such an obnoxiously bourgeois post. Wah, I can't decide where to vacation! Life's so hard.).
Hey Wendy,
First-time commenter from Toronto here. I've only ever lived in Vancouver during the summer months, but Western Canada is a lot more temperate than you might think! It's more rainy than snowy, that's for sure. Which is bad if you have SAD.
I may be a tad biased, but I think you should definitely check out Vancouver since Costa Rica is sooo last year. For winter-y type activities, Whistler seems to be the obvious choice but it's already a huge ski/snowboard hot spot even without the Olympics! But the Village is really quaint. Pretty scenery abounds. And if you like sushi, Vancouver's your town.
Posted by: Annia | October 28, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Whistler! It's heaven! The Sundial Boutique there has some rooms with private outdoor jacuzzis, so you can relax in your jacuzzi outside at night while the snow falls on you. They also have public shared ones. Aaaahhhh....
And if you want to leave BC, go to Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta. Lake Louise freezes over and you can ice skate on it, and the hotel next to it (the Fairmont Lake Louise) has ice sculptures all around and an ice castle built right on the lake. The moment that I knew my now-husband was "the one" was on that lake in February of 2008. In Banff I recommend Buffalo Mountain Lodge. Magical.
Posted by: Nikki | October 28, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Eh, you've been to Costa Rica, and like you said, you'll get longer if you go to Vancouver. And you'll see Drew sooner. So that would be the no-brainer for me. Besides, Vancouver is awesome! We went for a long weekend about two years ago and had a really great time -- I have an enormous list of the Internet's suggestions (all of them stellar) that I can forward you if you like: lots of eating and drinking in them, since that's all I really like to do too!
BUT what about if you did a few days in Vancouver together and then checked out something else on this side of the continent: I hear Victoria is beautiful (and would probably have cozy cabins and stuff), and then what about venturing down to Portland and Seattle as well? Or heck, SAN FRANCISCO? Then flying back to NYC after that? Yeah, it won't be Costa Rica weather, but we do get some nice sunny days in February....in the 60s a lot of the time, clear and bright and sunny. I think you should do it!
Posted by: Nothing But Bonfires | October 28, 2009 at 12:23 PM
I have heard nothing but great things about Whistler. Although if you don't ski, and don't want to commit to lessons, it might not be worth it. Plus, everyone else who visited Vancouver for the Olympics will be heading up to Whistler as well. Also, after 5 weeks Drew might want to hit warm and sunny. But...if you are willing to ski/snowboard, you will probably love it! It is very addictive.
Posted by: Mark C | October 28, 2009 at 01:47 PM
Okay, you've convinced us! Canada, it is. I think we're just going to take a week or so to hang out, so will probably stay in BC, though I do love Nikki's suggestion of Lake Louise, and Holly's suggestion of SF. (Holly, didn't you go to Banff and Lake Louise this year, as well? Also, I would LOVE your Vancouver suggestions from the internet!).
If anyone else has any more ideas for things to do in BC, I'm all ears.
Posted by: citywendy | October 28, 2009 at 02:34 PM
So happy that you guys decided to come to Canada! I live in Vancouver and am so excited for the Olympics! *cough* *cough* Have any leads on opening ceremony tickets? *cough*
Vancouver in Febuary is quite mild if that is your concern. I moved here from Chicago and the Chicago winters are much harsher. Here, people actually wear their cute winter jackets all winter! In Chicago, anything goes to prevent frostbite.
From what I hear, the Olympics are on budget in Vancouver due to many of the facilities already constructed. Lots of money is being spent on extras like a number of free concerts (Wilco!) and cultural events.
If you're looking for a refreshing weekend away, the Okanagan is a 5 hour drive from Vancouver and produces some great wines. We were just there in September. Lovely hotels around a huge lake and wine tours. I think they might have snow in February though, unlike Vancouver.
If theres any questions you might have, feel free to email!
Posted by: Lili | October 28, 2009 at 03:05 PM
I didn't even get a chance to chime in! New York City in February is probably much colder than Vancouver....Banff is a MUST.....or so I am told. I have never been, but I do have a cousin there I have been threatening to go visit.
Can't wait to read all about your trip to Canada.
Sometime you will have to visit my neck of the woods (near Niagara Falls) Grape and Wine time in the fall is fantastic
Posted by: Sue | October 28, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Vancouver is fab in Feb. It's warm (40-50F), and there's lots of non-skiing to do. Feb 14, Chinese New Year, isa great time to go...Vancouver's chinatown is lovely & there are two cool oriental gardens. Lots of migrating birds go through the delta in late Feb. You can take little water taxi-busses from one side of downtown to the other. There's lots of art galleries, cool shops and, per Bonfires, good good eats.
Posted by: fuzzpedals | October 28, 2009 at 04:50 PM
Vancouver is GORGEOUS. You should go there.
Posted by: Emily | October 28, 2009 at 05:02 PM
I live in Seattle and even though it's so close, I LOVE LOVE LOVE visiting Vancouver. It's a great city with great food and great scenery. The winters on the west coast aren't nearly what they are on the east coast so you will be just fine in that regard. Even if you don't ski, there are museums and shopping and food and people who say "aboot." Go to Canada!
Posted by: Rachel | October 28, 2009 at 06:07 PM
Well, Lady. I always vote for places with out snow because I thugged it out in the Greatest Snow on Earth for thirtyonelongdamnyears -and I am a skier- and I am ohhhhhh verrrrrr it. So, anything with a beach -sans a wind layer- is my cup of kick ass.
But.
If you can enjoy things with out lamenting the frigid factor then totally enjoy them- sweaters, down comforters, soups, bourbon and a manly companion are all formidable opponents to the North Country- and I can give miles of glowing references for One Magical City called San Francisco... if it's gonna be THAT kind of party.
You're fun. I'm glad you blog.
hyphenetically yours,
kan
Posted by: K | October 28, 2009 at 08:05 PM
I'm so jealous. I'm not going to Whistler until Thanksgiving 2010 and oh my god that's so far away...
Posted by: Nikki | October 29, 2009 at 11:06 AM
We went to Vancouver for our honeymoon and also enjoyed a trip to Victoria by boat. I can recommend friendly and affordable Selkirk B&B there. Banff might be a bit far from Vancouver but we enjoyed Revelstoke too.
Posted by: Smithereens | October 29, 2009 at 01:18 PM
I'd vote for Canada, too. In part because I dislike flying, and if you're already going to be there...
Posted by: Alyce | October 29, 2009 at 03:26 PM
I think you'll be better off going somewhere warm. Ski and hot drinks might be nice but there's still snow and it's freaking cold. sitting by a beach drinking cocktails and scuba diving is a much more relaxing vacation.
But why going again to Costa rica? Why not trying somewhere new? Costa Rica considers as one of the more expensive countries in central America and if you've already been there, you should go somewhere else.
You can try Mexico. It's really pretty, relaxing and interesting
Posted by: Hini | October 29, 2009 at 04:24 PM
Thanks for all the great suggestions, you guys! I'm getting excited to check out Vancouver now. And I'm thinking a few days in Victoria and then a few days in Whistler might be the way to go.
@Hini, good point. I don't know why I jumped on going to Costa Rica again rather than try some place new. I just really enjoyed where we stayed while we were there. I'm thinking now that the next time we go to Central America, we'll going check out Panama.
Posted by: citywendy | October 29, 2009 at 05:33 PM
I agree with the Niagara comment. Niagara on the Lake is beautiful. However I have awesome things about Vancouver, Lake Louise, and Banff.
Maybe you could book a side trip to TX...This way, you escape winter but it's affordable since you have a place to stay! :-)
Posted by: Lisa | October 29, 2009 at 05:40 PM
Costa Rica
Posted by: J | October 29, 2009 at 11:06 PM
I think the sun sounds nice, but assuming that Drew is going to be involved with the winter Olympics every couple of years, it wouldn't hurt to see if a winter vacation suits you. I haven't been to Vancouver but have heard only great things. I have been to Banff and Lake Louise -- they are magical.
Posted by: Stephanie | October 30, 2009 at 05:36 AM
Oh I forgot about Victoria! The ferry ride from Vancouver is easy and you see seals on your way there. Does anyone know if the whale watching will be happening in February? That might be fun.
Posted by: Nikki | October 30, 2009 at 07:23 AM
I'm with you ... cold does NOT equal a vacation. Costa Rica, Baby!!
Posted by: Em | October 30, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Wendy, as I am typing this I am literally looking at the Olympic Village (who knew that fate would plunk the Olympics next door to where I live and work?!). Anyways, due to my geographic proximity to the Olympics, I felt that I therefore have the authority to say that Vancouver welcomes you with open arms!!
I'm sorry to disappoint, but Vancouver actually doesn't live up to the sterotype of "canada=cold" and it is generally warmer than New York at this time of year...last Feb/March I was already sporting my spring jacket.
The Olympic Committee is promising it will be an amazing party, so I hope you can come and have a great time : )
Posted by: emac | November 20, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Just wanted to let you know that it’s not showing up properly on the BlackBerry Browser (I have a Pearl). Anyway, I’m now on the RSS feed on my laptop, so thanks!
Regards
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