Top 5 Places to Visit in British Columbia in Spring

No matter the season, British Columbia is an outdoor adventurer’s dreamland.

Known for its rugged coastlines, diverse landscapes, and range of activities, you can climb the mountains and cruise across the sounds in British Columbia at your own pace. That being said, spring is a time when the province comes alive.

With warming weather, you can hike, kayak, mountain bike, and more without facing harsh temperatures.

Still, you don’t face the more humid summer months. There are even spring-specific activities at your fingertips, such as watching black bears wake up from their slumber. (We’ll get to this below.)

But which cities and regions in British Columbia offer the best way to soak up spring’s natural wonders? If you’re hoping to get outdoors in spring, start planning your trip to the province.

Top 5 places in British Columbia to visit in spring: shortcut

Whistler: mountain views and alpine activities
Squamish: a climber’s paradise
Nakusp: hot springs, camping, and more
Kelowna: the winery gateway
Desolation Sound: remote water adventures

Best places in British Columbia to visit in spring

Whistler: mountain views and alpine activities

Whistler is one of British Columbia’s most exciting resort towns. Located in the Coast Mountains Range, it’s mostly known as a premier skiing and snowboarding winter destination—or as a dreamy summer getaway. But you’ll have plenty to do in spring, and fewer crowds to contend with.

The bear safari mentioned above is one of Whistler’s coolest spring activities. Along with hiking and tobogganing, you can also mountain bike, golf, fish, and even outdoor yoga. With a dramatic mountain backdrop, you might even feel like you’re in the Swiss Alps at times.

Here’s where to stay in Whistler and what to do.

Squamish: a climber’s paradise

Summit Lodge viewing deck in Squamish (Getty)

Though the views aren’t quite as dramatic, Squamish is located in a valley that showcases the surrounding mountains, including the famous granite massif called Stawamus Chief.

And speaking of rock formations, Squamish is a top destination for rock climbers and boulderers thanks to its granite cliffs, mountains, and bluffs.

Even if climbing isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty to do in Squamish. Hiking is a popular pastime, with hotspots like Shannon Falls and Murrin Park coming alive when the weather gets warm. You can also kiteboard and windsurf in the city’s ports, or go rafting down the Elaho River.

Here’s where to stay in Squamish and what to do.

Nakusp: hot springs, camping, and more

View of the lakeside walk by Arrow Lake (Getty)

Nestled in the Kuskanax Valley, Nakusp is a gorgeous inland, lakeside destination that teems with life in spring. The area is most famous for its hot springs, which include one natural mineral spring and two developed sites. I’d highly suggest spending a day (or five) at Nakusp Hot Springs.

But you’ll also have plenty to do at North Arrow Lake. Whether hiking around the waterfront or sprawling out at the lakeside beach, there are dozens of ways to enjoy the water. But you can also camp at one of the area’s many campsites—or go big with a chalet rental. Just keep in mind that Naksup is one of the quieter destinations on this list, so be prepared for plenty of downtime.

Here’s where to stay in Nakusp and what to do.

Kelowna: Wineries

Not far from Nakusp waits Kelowna, another lakeside town with a charming atmosphere. That being said, it’s a much larger and more metropolitan zone, letting you enjoy those modern amenities.

In spring, you can soak up the lakeside views, hike through Hardy Falls Park, or even take a cruise on Okanagan Lake with unique day trips.

But Kelowna is also renowned for its wineries. They dot the areas around the city (Okangan Valley) and come alive each April for BC Wine Month. Notable names include Tantalus Vineyards, The View Winery, and Cedar Creek Estate Winery.

Lastly, you can also go birdwatching in spring. From March to May is a popular time for migrations to pass through.

Here’s where to stay in Kelowna and what to do.

Desolation Sound: remote water adventures

Pacific coast of British Columbia, Canada (Getty)

Like the name hints, you won’t find much in Desolation Sound at the tip of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. That being said, that’s part of the magic. This gorgeous sound is made up of small islands and inlets where you’re guaranteed privacy to soak up the peaceful views.

It’s a popular choice for kayakers, canoers, and sailors. Or if you want a more hands-off experience, you can join a whale-watching tour, harvest oysters and mussels, and even go swimming as summer approaches. While the views are rugged and misty, the water is often some of the warmest in the country.

Here’s where to stay near Desolation Sound and what to do.

Fly Smart: 7 Best Airports in the US for Long Layovers

Nobody wants a long layover… but we tend to accept them when there’s a dirt-cheap plane ticket on the line.

Still, it’s a hefty trade-off. Even if we know how to nab a day pass from a hotel or have work to catch up on, figuring out how to fill the time of a layover can be difficult. That’s even more true when the layover is less than six hours long.

In that case, should you leave the airport for a little adventure? Should you hunker down and get a nap in? Or head to the duty-free section and splurge?

Ultimately, the choice is yours—but the more choices you have, the better off you’ll be.

If you’re looking to fly smart while saving big on plane tickets, don’t be afraid to take that long layover if it’s at one of the US airports listed below. The rankings are based on amenities like restaurants, shops, charging stations, nearby hotels, nearby restaurants, and more.

Remember: these suggestions are based on not leaving the airport or, if you do, staying in the immediate vicinity. In other words, this isn’t a ranking based on the best day trips accessible from major airports.

Best airports for long layovers in the US

Seattle-Tacoma: Great for shopping

The view from Seattle-Tacoma Airport (Getty)

Seattle-Tacoma Airport might be small with a single terminal, but it’s home to over 50 shops. (To clarify: the airport has two satellite buildings that you can also explore.) But it’s not just the standard fare of makeup and souvenirs. Seattle-Tacoma is home to unique shops like SUB POP Records, Seattle Chocolate, and other boutique projects.

The cherry on top? You can see Mt. Rainier from many parts of the airport.

Atlanta: Unexpected surprises—and a functional setup

Travelers inside the main hall of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Getty)

I flew through Atlanta twice in the last month—and both experiences were pretty top-tier. Though it’s the busiest airport in the US, its train system is fast and functional, which I think is worth mentioning all on its own.

But it’s the tiny details that matter at Atlanta Airport.

The airport offers unique artistic experiences, from its large-scale projects to its smaller initiatives. When I was passing through, a live cellist was performing in the food court, filling the airport with calming classic songs. In fact, the airport is home to over 1,000 unique pieces.

LAX: Best range of amenities

Los Angeles International Airport (Getty)

The key to LAX’s success is that passengers stuck on long layovers can wander from the domestic to the international terminals. Usually, the best dining and shopping options are kept in the international terminal—but you can explore everything this airport has to offer.

There are restaurants that you’ll actually want to eat at (from fresh-cut sushi to oven-fired pizzas, world-class spas that can get you through anything, art galleries, and dozens of lounges—many of which are open to economy ticket holders.

San Francisco: A prime spot for relaxation

San Francisco International Airport (Getty)

Back in 2022, SFO was named the Best Airport in North America by the Airports International Council—so what makes San Fran so great for travelers with long layovers? It’s all about the mindfulness.

SFO has implemented unique programs to streamline its processes, from specialized flight times to minimize noise pollution to its outdoor observation decks.

Like other busy hubs, you can shop and eat to your heart’s content. But many passengers rave about the relaxing amenities. Along with lounges that are open to economy ticket holders, you can also enjoy free yoga, head to the observation deck to drink in some sunlight and watch the planes take off, or head to one of the day-use rooms at the nearby Hyatt.

Denver: Local hits and iconic architecture

There’s a little bit of everything at Denver International Airport. Its shops and restaurants are dotted with homegrown projects, from on-site breweries to independent bookstores. Similar to Seattle-Tacoma, it’s not large—but it’s functional and enjoyable.

It’s also impossible not to mention DEN’s unique tent-like Jeppesen Terminal, which is one of the most iconic pieces of airport architecture in the US.

Miami: Great shopping, better dining

Artwork in Miami airport, Florida, USA (Getty)

Similar to Denver International Airport, Miami International Airport has plenty of homegrown brands (including Cuban food) that make any layover feel less like an endless slog. Along with a handful of local dining and shopping options, you can also explore art galleries and exhibits that highlight the city’s identity.

Given its size, Miami Airport is also home to spas, meditation rooms, a yoga room, and outdoor park areas with some greenery and benches.

Detroit: A modern, artistic surprise

Detroit Metro International Airport (Getty)

Detroit has one of the US’s sleekest airports—and it’s still improving as of 2025. Thanks to recent upgrades that include wide walkways and unique concourses, the airport is a breeze to navigate.

In fact, with its famous Light Tunnel, you might even enjoy your walk. When its time to hunker down for a while, you can do so at the full-service spa, a sit-down restaurant, or in one of the many lounges.

6 Best Things to Do Outdoors in Fayetteville, West Virginia

Fayetteville, West Virginia was nothing like I expected when I visited with my family back in 2015.

After my family reunited at the airport, we rented a car and took off with plans to explore the New River Gorge area. The weekend getaway turned out to be one of our favorite adventures in recent years.

Not only was the gorge even more stunning than in photos, but the relaxed town and friendly atmosphere stood out.

It felt like Olive Garden—when you’re in Fayetteville, West Virginia, you’re family.

Though we spent most of our time out on the New River Gorge (hiking, rafting, and learning about the area’s history), we barely grazed the surface of Fayetteville’s extensive outdoor offerings. In fact, we’ve been planning a return trip to the area for years.

As we build out our dream list of places to go and things to do, I figured I’d cover what’s on our radar. In my opinion, Fayetteville is a hidden gem for travelers who prefer budget destinations with ample outdoor adventures.

Best of all, many companies offer discounts in April—so you can save big by booking one of these adventures in the coming month.

6 outdoor things to do in Fayetteville, WV

Raft down New River Gorge with Adventures on the Gorge or ACE Adventure Resort

Whether or not you want to white water raft down New River Gorge, this place should be on your bucket list. It’s easily one of the most stunning places I’ve visited in the United States and remains my favorite Appalachian enclave.

Picture a rushing, clear-water river nestled between two dramatic, heavily forested ridges.

My family and I stayed at Adventures on the Gorge. The same company also organized our white water rafting adventure and zipline tours. There’s almost a never-ending list of activities and special events, especially during the warmer summer months. You can also stay at ACE Adventure Resort, which is the other major adventure company serving the New River Gorge.

BASE jump from the New River Gorge Bridge (or watch!)

New River Gorge bridge in West Virginia (Getty)

Each year, Fayetteville celebrates Bridge Day. Bridge Day commemorates the first time a BASE jumper leaped from the New Gorge Bridge back in 1979, which stands at 876 feet. Since then, Bridge Day (held each October) has attracted thousands of spectators and hundreds of BASE jumpers.

Personally, I’d watch the action (which now includes events like rappelling) rather than join in—but I’ll leave that up to you. Regardless, Fayetteville is proud of this event and makes spectating easy.

Zipline near the river

Unsurprisingly, you can find more than one zip-lining company in and around Fayetteville. I’d recommend bundling a zipline adventure with your whitewater rafting plans.

My family went ziplining at Adventures on the Gorge; you can also zipline with the other rafting company, ACE Adventure Resort.

Aside from those two options, you can also head to the slightly more challenging course at River Expeditions, which is another rafting company that serves the area. Along with its ziplining cables, you can also take part in a cargo net climb, sky bridge, and rappelling adventure.

Hike the Long Point Trail and Kaymoor Miner’s Trail

Spring at New River Gorge National Park (Getty)

You won’t be short on hiking opportunities in Fayetteville. In fact, you might feel a little overwhelmed by how many trails are in the vicinity.

I recommend taking the Long Point Trail, which is a simple out-and-back trail that includes lake views. Kaymoor Miner’s is another popular pick thanks to the lush forests—just keep in mind that it’s a little steep.

Go Geocaching at Babcock State Park

Glade Creek Grist Mill in Babcock State Park (Getty)

Geocaching is a mobile-ready outdoor adventure—sort of like a scavenger hunt. Using a smartphone that has GPS features, visitors can take to Babcock State Park to seek out its two geocaches.

These geocaches are hidden, waterproofed boxes where expert navigators can sign their name in the logbook, and then set the geocache back in place for another adventurer to find. Currently, Babcock State Park has two cache sites for you to seek out.

Rent a mountain bike and hit the trails

If hiking a little too one-speed for you, then rent a mountain bike and hit the trails at hyper-speed. There are a handful of mountain bike rental shops in Fayetteville—and locals are more than happy to help you learn the ropes if you’ve never shopped around for mountain bikes before.

New Rivers Bikes, Marathon Bicycle Company, and Arrowhead Bike Farm are all full-service bike shops that offer mountain bikes for sale and/or rent. I’d suggest asking the owners about suitable trails for your experience level—some trails might be too steep for casual bikers.

I’d suggest starting out at Arrowhead Bike Farm. The word ‘farm’ describes the scenic area where you can actually ride the bikes you just rented. (They also have camping.)

6 Caribbean Islands from Below Deck (Plus, Boating Tips)

I’ve never been on a vessel longer than a few hours.

No multi-day cruises, no yacht charters, no extensive sailing excursions. In fact, I’m a little spooked by open water.

But you wouldn’t guess that based on my obsession with Bravo’s Below Deck. The series first aired in 2013, taking off in subsequent seasons.

Though I was late to the game hearing about the show, I’ve seen every single season—which includes the successful Mediterranean, Australian, Norwegian, and Southeast Asian spinoffs.

In case you’re new to Below Deck, the premise is simple. Filmmakers follow a luxury private yacht crew as they attempt to field the sometimes-insane requests of charter guests. Mishaps inevitably follow, which sometimes cuts into the final tip amount.

Each season is filmed over the course of a six-week private charter season, which gives the crew plenty of time to get to know one another. Drama inevitably ensues.

The show’s setting is its own special character, too. Below Deck’s list of Caribbean ports is the stuff of dreams, highlighting just how diverse and breathtaking the region is.

Even if you can’t manage to book a private, ultra-luxury charter, you can still plan a visit to swim in the same waters the Below Deck crew knows well. Below, I’m listing out every Caribbean Below Deck location, along with how you can get out on the water in each.

While most hourly boat rentals aren’t cheap, they’re a lot more affordable than the private yacht charters you’ve seen on the show.

6 Caribbean locations from Below Deck & how to get out on the water

Season 1 & Season 5: St. Martin

Fun geography lesson: the island of St. Martin is divided between Dutch and French overseas territories. The French call it Saint-Martin and the Dutch call it Sint Maarten; I’m going with the English spelling of St. Martin. Now onto the fun stuff.

You can rent a range of boats for day trips, hourly charters, and more. The most popular ports for chartering a boat are Anse Marcel and Marigot, so try to focus your stay around the marinas.

That being said, St. Martin is tiny. You can drive across the island in two hours—it’s only 35 miles long.

Season 2: British Virgin Islands (BVI)

Much larger than St. Martin and already hugely popular for yachters, the British Virgin Islands let you get out on the water however you see fit.

In fact, some parts of the 60-island chain, including Anegada, are only accessible by boat. However, you can find plenty of boat rental options in larger spots like Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

I recommend looking at the most popular rentals on TripAdvisor—they’re by far the most financially accessible options in the BVI.

Season 3: Bahamas

The Bahamas is the nearest and cheapest option for getting out on those turquoise Caribbean waters.

Not only are flights more manageable for most Americans (head to Nassau), but hourly rentals are smaller and more agile than on other islands. That means you can jump around to different locations in a single day, take advantage of calm weather, and bundle in other opportunities like snorkeling.

I recommend finding a private charter on GetMyBoat (also listed for St. Martin) or on TripAdvisor.

Season 4: US Virgin Islands (USVI)

Though BVI and the US Virgin Islands are often discussed together, they’re very different in certain respects.

More rugged and remote, BVI is usually more popular for yachting and sailing fans. By contrast, USVI is home to traditional resorts for a relaxing tropical vacation. That being said, you can get out on the water any day of the week in St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.

St. Thomas is known for its high-class marinas, home to lanes of ultra-lux yachts. That makes it easier to charter a private boat in St. Thomas, but you can also do so from other islands.

Season 8: Antigua

Antigua is the larger and more populated island of Antigua and Barbuda. It’s home to dozens of beaches, many of which include marinas and docks with vessels open for charter. I like Antigua because all those beaches also let you take advantage of other activities, like kayaking in a clear kayak, jet-skiing, and more.

As with other islands, you can choose between chartering a smaller vessel on TripAdvisor or via GetMyBoat. The most popular places to disembark are St. John’s and Jolly Harbour.

Season 9: St. Kitts

St. Kitts and Nevis is a tiny island that’s home to a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Brimstone Hill Fortress.

But I vote you ignore the history and hit the water. From Basseterre, you can book a range of charter options, from catamaran day cruises to sunset cruises to wakeboarding lessons. That makes St. Kitts perfect for anyone who enjoys water sports.

4 Northern RV Regions for Winery Tours & Tastings

If you’re gearing up your RV for a cross-country drive, you’re probably not thinking about where to find delicious wine. (Hopefully, you have a few bottles packed inside.)

But part-time and full-time RVers are always looking to the horizon for their next adventure. If you’re a hobbyist sommelier or simply like a glass of white wine after a long day, you can easily bundle winery adventures into your itinerary.

The most seamless way to do that is by planning to pass through one of the US’s winemaking regions.

The ideal time to drop in for northern wineries is usually between August and November when the harvest takes place. (Many shut down for winter.) Just make sure to call ahead to ask that you park your RV within walking distance of the winery; and consider this your friendly reminder not to drink and drive.

If you’ll be heading across the northern United States in the future, these are four wine regions that should be on your radar, along with which winery tours are worth your time.

4 RV regions for great winery tours and winemaking classes

Near the Finger Lakes, NY

An aerial shot of the Finger Lakes (Getty)

Who doesn’t love the Adirondack Mountains? And who doesn’t enjoy a winery with a view?

Whether you want to learn more about northern grape varietals or simply sample the best new wines from the region, the Finger Lakes is your portal to one of the US’s most accessible winemaking regions in terms of the number of wineries, visitor reviews, and range of tasting options.

Head to these wineries:

Near Traverse City, MN

With the brutal winters, you might think that Michigan’s peninsulas aren’t fit for grape-growing. However, you can find over 30 wineries competing for space in the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas—and they produce some of the most critically acclaimed US wines.

Though you won’t have the same gorgeous mountain views as the other wineries on this list, you won’t be short on adventures. The region around Traverse City offers kayaking, hiking, biking, and more in parks like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Head to these wineries:

Near Grand Junction, CO

If the Adirondacks aren’t quite high enough for you, head to the Rockies. Around Grand Junction, you can soak up gorgeous views of the state’s dramatic western slopes—with a glass of wine in your hand, if you play your cards right. I’d also suggest keeping a lookout for ‘ice wine’, which is made from frozen grapes during early winter freezes.

Head to these wineries:

Near Boise, ID

It doesn’t usually take much convincing to get in the RV and head to Idaho. The state is home to the US’s most jaw-dropping and under-visited national parks, from Craters of the Moon to Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

The state is also home to specialized wineries thanks to its unique topography and varied climate. When you’ve had your fill of views and Cabernet, you can pack up and drive to Utah, Oregon, Wyoming, or Washington—other RV hotspots.

Before you do, head to these wineries:

5 Reasons it’s Worth Paying More for a Local-Led Experience

Travel is often a game of trade-offs.

Cheap plane tickets come with exorbitant add-ons and frequent delays. Travel rewards can only be used under certain circumstances and within certain timeframes. Outdoor destinations are almost empty during the coldest months.

On and on the list goes.

The toughest trade-offs for me relate to money and culture. When it comes to going all-in on cultural excursions in a destination, we usually have two choices: buck up for an expensive but ethical travel program that’s led by locals or stay within our budget by sacrificing our comfort via hostel stays, homestays, and similar options.

Thankfully, I’ve noticed that local-led travel programs are starting to pick up steam. They’ve become more popular with travelers who are looking for transformational experiences and exposure to new cultures—along with tourists who are sick of the same old resorts and cruises.

There’s just one catch: though gaining popularity, those highly ethical and local-led travel programs are still pricier than most other options.

Still, they might be worth your hard-earned money.

During a recent talk with Lonely Planet’s head of content, Brekke Fletcher, we dove deep into the company’s new Elsewhere project. Elsewhere is a new project where trips are built on local movers and thinkers. As Loney Planet puts it, these are ‘trips you can feel good about.’

Here’s why you need to keep local-led travel experiences on your radar, whether or not you can afford them this year.

First—what types of local and ethical experiences am I talking about?

Chinchero indigenous woman talking with tourists (Getty)

Before I start listing out why local-led trips are worth paying more for, let’s hammer out what I’m talking about.

Elsewhere, the project from Lonely Planet that’s linked above, is just one of many projects that are tilting toward a more comprehensive and holistic type of travel.

The goal of these companies is to promote and empower locals in popular destinations by handing them the reins—and the funds. Generally speaking, local-led travel initiatives work as little with third-party companies as possible to ensure a direct, streamlined, and mutually beneficial approach.

Elsewhere puts together entire trips that are created and sold from people working on the ground at the destination. It’s similar to Few & Far’s ultra-lux take on sustainability and wilderness tours. Both offer comprehensive itineraries that let travelers show up and start unwinding.

But there are plenty of smaller initiatives popping up, too. I recently covered Zapotec Travel by Lily, a company led by a local Oaxacan that nabbed a place on last year’s Nat Geo list. Plus, tour companies like Tours by Locals are available around the world, letting you take a more bite-sized sample of this new form of travel.

Here’s why it’s worth it to pay more for these types of experiences. (Aside from the warm and fuzzy feeling of knowing that you’re doing something ethical.)

5 reasons it’s worth it to pay more

Reason #1: You’re getting the ‘real deal’ that other travelers don’t

Travel experiences that are led by locals take you behind the curtain. Because local-led companies work with smaller groups, they’re more dynamic. You can expect to see and experience activities, places, and traditions that other travelers might not even hear about.

That’s true even for places that you’ve already visited—so if you feel like you go the short end of the stick at your last destination, you can always go back.

Reason #2: Better food, better drinks, better everything

Along with getting a peek behind the curtain at your destination, so to speak, travelers who work with locals also have access to richer experiences.

I mean that in every sense. Along with knowing where to find the tastiest meals and drinks, they know which places to avoid at all costs—which is something that travelers often find out the hard way.

From transportation to souvenir shopping to romantic date nights, you can expect a more impactful experience with locals leading the way.

Reason #3: You’ll come back with connections

If you want to go back, that’s the sign of a great destination.

And that’s even easier to do if you were relying on local companies and local tour guides while you were there. Local-led tours and travel programs (usually) introduce you to hospitality leaders directly, from restaurant owners to tour guide companies to conservationists.

And if you’re enjoying the trip, then you’re probably going to make connections to at least a few of locals. Not only can you establish a friendship (usually on Facebook or another social media platform), but you can also pave the way for a future visit.

Even cooler, you can one day host your new friends in your own country.

Reason #4: Face-to-face interactions

Like I just mentioned, local-led travel programs and initiatives put you face-to-face with locals at your destination. I’ve always enjoyed this element because it makes travel ‘realer’.

Instead of buying an experience, you’re participating in it. Groups are usually smaller, time slots aren’t as rigid, and the overall experience is designed for pleasure and exchange—not only for the end product or a photo op.

(Although end products and photo ops are still great, of course.)

Reason #5: You still get to relax

Lastly, I want to point out that local-led initiatives are still relaxing. When you’re handing over a hefty sum of money to put together a trip led by locals, you might think that you need to sacrifice comfort for ethics.

That’s not the case.

Both Elsewhere and Few & Far (two sustainability-focused and local-led travel initiatives) cater to luxury travelers, so I’d hate to paint a picture in which you’re picturing a reel of volunteerism projects. Just because it’s local doesn’t mean it’s not high-class.