Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish officially re-opening on February 14, 2020

Sea to Sky gondola re-opening

Image courtesy of Sea to Sky Gondolas | Photo by Paul Bride

Just in time for a romantic date night on Valentine’s Day or for a fun day trip for the Family Day long weekend, the Sea to Sky Gondola has just announced that it will be officially re-opening on Friday, February 14, 2020.

The re-opening date comes after months of being shut down because of a confirmed act of vandalism that forced the closure of the incredibly popular tourist attraction on the Sea to Sky highway.

In the coming weeks, thirty brand new cabins will be re-installed on the main cable that recently arrived from Switzerland.

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Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish officially re-opening on February 14, 2020

Vancouver Screen Scene: Aubrey Plaza, Judy Greer, A Midsummer’s Nightmare, and more

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza created the horror-comedy TV show Nightmare Time, which will take viewers inside the dark dreams of celebrity guests.

Seeing as how it’s Halloween, it’s rather appropriate that the upcoming lineup of shows shooting in Vancouver are along the lines of horror and fantasy, with some whacked-out stuff, quirky tales, and comedies thrown in for good measure.

From nightmares to a Chinese romcom, let’s take a look at what’s going on around town in Hollywood North.

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Vancouver Screen Scene: Aubrey Plaza, Judy Greer, A Midsummer’s Nightmare, and more

Authentic West Coast Camping – Minutes from Downtown Vancouver

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Night Sky Porteau Cove Provincial Park Photo: Flickr, Damon West

On a daily basis, I awaken to hear the mountains and ocean calling.  There is something deep inside me that craves to be outside.  I am confident that those closest to me would agree that without my regular dose of Nature, I can be extremely difficult to live with.  Often, when time is tight, and I can’t find my way to the back country, I look closer to home, to one of Vancouver’s best seaside attractions – Porteau Cove Provincial Park!    Located on North America’s most southerly fjords, Porteau Cove is famous for views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains, scuba diving, waterfront campsites, beachcombing, star gazing and Aurora Borealis viewing.  All this, and only 38 km north of Vancouver on Highway 99.  Unbelievable.

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Authentic West Coast Camping – Minutes from Downtown Vancouver

Hail to the Chief!  Hiking in Squamish

Discover-the-Outdoors-Squamish-Chief6

700m Massive Granite Cliffs Photo: Rob Weiss

The Stawamus Chief is an iconic landmark.  It dominates the Squamish skyline and attracts tourists, hikers and climbers from around the world.  This magnificent granite wall beckons all to approach and climb her.  Outdoor enthusiasts regularly flock to the area to test their fitness levels and savour the magnificent views from each of the three peaks.  On a clear day, the summit offers panoramic glimpses of Howe Sound, the Squamish town site and adjacent coastal mountains.

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Hail to the Chief!  Hiking in Squamish

Cycling Vancouver’s Sea to Sky Highway

Discover Outdoors Sea to Sky Highway6

Horseshoe Bay Photo: Rob Weiss

Cyclists around the world have a love/hate relationship with hills.  For some, hills represent a mental challenge, others are intrigued by the physical challenge and for many it is simply the thrill of the descent after a long, difficult climb.  No matter what draws you to the hills, there is no more desirable, scenic or exciting climb than the Sea to Sky highway.  This demanding ride from Vancouver to Whistler is a visual smorgasbord offering panoramic views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains.  Recently, my husband and I decided to test our legs and set our sites on Whistler.

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Cycling Vancouver’s Sea to Sky Highway

Hike Upper Shannon Falls – the Sea to Summit Trail

Discover Outdoors Upper Shannon Falls7

Shannon Falls Photo: Rob Weiss

Do waterfalls capture your imagination?  A waterfall, almost any waterfall, is fascinating mesmerizing, awe-inspiring.  We stand for hours listening, admiring, photographing, painting.  For centuries waterfalls have inspired poets, artists and musicians. Today we post pictures to Instagram and tweet on #WaterfallWednesday.  Personally, I find myself inexplicably drawn to their power and beauty.  Something about the thundering roar of water cascading down a mountain stirs me deep inside and energizes me to follow the trail toward them, as if drawn by their sheer energy.

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Hike Upper Shannon Falls – the Sea to Summit Trail

Paddling in Vancouver’s Backyard – Porteau Cove to Anvil Island

Flickr Damon West

Aurora Borealis viewing at Porteau Cove Photo: Flickr, Damon West

Wild and remote, yet only thirty minutes from Vancouver, Howe Sound is a paddler’s paradise.  Navigating the Sea to Sky corridor from the water is a unique and invigorating way to explore the area, world famous for breathtaking ocean views, spectacular waterfalls, snow capped mountains and Squamish Nation history and culture. My recent adventure to North America’s southern most fjord began at Porteau Cove Provincial Park.  There are two paved boat launches and also plenty of beach area to begin your paddle.  Prior to setting off be sure to check out the Dive Area. Porteau Cove is a very busy diving centre.  Two sunken ships and a series of man-made reefs attract scuba enthusiasts to these waters.  I always enjoy chatting with the divers and hearing tales of the marine live thriving below the surface.

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Paddling in Vancouver’s Backyard – Porteau Cove to Anvil Island