Sigh.  A “staycation.” A word people love to hate. A concept grudgingly accepted. A word created to make us feel better. Although you may be yearning for a trip to Europe instead, a staycation in Vancouver doesn’t have to be all that bad, especially in the summer. It can be pretty cool, in fact. With the summer season being my busiest at work (managing music festivals, outdoor movie nights, kids art camps), I’ve staycationed in Vancouver in July and August for the past 4 years, trying new things and appreciating my own back yard.

With only a few weeks left before the end of August, check out my curated list of what to do with the last few weeks of summer:

DAY TRIP: UNPLUG AT SCANDINAVE SPA

This adult-only Scandinavian style outdoor day spa set in the middle of nature is simply divine and left me in a zen state of mind. As part of the spa etiquette, guests have to truly “unplug” as NO electronic devices are allowed (including ipods with headphones) and no talking allowed in order to preserve the relaxed atmosphere.

The spa includes hot and cold baths, a eucalyptus steam room, Finnish sauna, Nordic waterfalls along with relaxation areas – solariums with access to magazines, hammocks with amazing views of the mountains, terraces and even an outdoor fireplace.  Apart from a few dead bugs in the water (it is set in the BC wilderness after all), I would truly recommend this place for anyone feeling frazzled or stressed out.  We spent 4 hours at the spa melting our stress away. Although at first it was hard to not use our iphones, it was a welcomed change to appreciate the beauty of nature in silence.

Although it is an indulgence here at home ($60.00 for access to these baths vs $22.00 I paid for thermal baths in Budapest), it is well worth it for the ambiance.

TRAVEL THEMED ART EXHIBITIONS

It’s about the journey, not the destination as they say.  Well, you don’t have to go far to escape into travel mode this summer. Check out these two travel/voyage themed exhibitions at the Vancouver Art Gallery and Museum of Anthropology for a critical look into travel through a social, cultural, political and philosophical lens.

*GRAND HOTEL: REDESIGNING MODERN LIFE | Vancouver Art Gallery | Ends Sep 15

Everyone has a hotel story. I’ve not only stayed in hotels, I’ve also worked in them, noting the good, the bad and the ugly. So much more than a place to sleep, hotels offer a private respite in a public space.   Divided into four sections – Travel, Design, Social and Culture – this exhibition “charts the evolution of the hotel from its humble origins as an isolate and utilitarian structure to a cultural phenomenon that figures prominently within the global landscape.”

*SAFAR/VOYAGE: CONTEMPORARY WORKS BY ARAB, IRANIAN & TURKISH ARTISTS | Museum of Anthropology, UBC | Ends Sept 15

Featuring 16 artists from the region, Safar/Voyage is “as innocuous as tourism (with a twist), as disturbing as war – the violent crossing of borders-and as philosophical as the transience of life.”

TOURIST COOL

Not all tourist activities have to be cheesy or overdone.  I bet you anything you haven’t tried Canada Place’s newest adventure this summer – FLYOVER CANADA! I had chance to try it this summer and I’m so glad I did! It’s an amazing 4D virtual experience that takes you across our amazing country.  The experience lasts a total of 30 minutes (Uplift pre-flight show, safety video and actual ride is about 8 minutes).  If you haven’t tried a virtual flight before, now is the time to try it! You will be left with wanting more, guaranteed.

This summer I also biked the waterfront, a classic Vancouver staple and visited Nitobe Gardens at UBC (which I haven’t been to since my university days), Queen Elizabeth Park and the Bloedel Conservatory. It’s easy to take these Vancouver tourist spots for granted –  I forgot how beautiful these experiences can be.

DESI GLOBETROTTER’S PERSONAL FAVOURITES

If you’re tired of downtown and Stanley Park, I recommend travelling to the North Shore, my secret haven when I want to escape the crowds.

I love visiting Deep Cove Park, Cates Park and my absolute favourite – the Burrard Dry Dock Pier located beside the revitalized Lonsdale Quay area in North Vancouver. Fantastic views of downtown! Buy a coffee and walk down the pier on an early morning for some quiet time or go for brunch, lunch, dinner or cocktails at Pier 7 Restaurant + Bar featuring a 180 degree view of Vancouver.

Get out of your staycation funk with making a few changes to your weekend routine! What are your summer favourites? What surprised you the most about your city? Leave comments below!

Photo Credits: Scandinave Spa Whistler, Vancouver Art Gallery, Museum of Anthropology, Flyover Canada, Pier 7 Restaurant, Desi Globetrotter.