Escape to Nature near Vancouver 🍁🌲🍂🦌🐿️

Vancouver dazzles with its striking cityscapes and bustling energy. But just a short jaunt away, you can trade the urban pulse for the peace of nature. I discovered two lesser-known spots perfect for tapping into the great outdoors - Bowen Island and Porteau Cove Provincial Park. A quick ferry ride whisked me across the glistening waters to Bowen Island. With its forests, trails and beaches, this small island municipality beckoned me to adventure. I spent a day meandering the leafy trails of Crippen Regional Park, gazing up at the lush Capes of Bowen as I hiked. Picnicking at the quiet coves with views across the water to West Vancouver was sublime. The island offers kayak rentals, paddleboarding, snorkeling and more for active travelers. Or simply relax on the sandy shores of Bowen Bay and take in the island vibes. Back on the mainland, I headed just an hour north of Vancouver to immerse myself in nature at Porteau Cove Provincial Park. With a picturesque campground and beaches surrounded by coastal mountains, this park was an outdoor enthusiast's dream. I pitched my tent right along the shoreline, lulled to sleep by the waves. During the day, I hiked the trails to the cove's abandoned silver mine or relaxed on the beach combing for shells. From kayaking to scuba diving, the park offers ample ways to enjoy the great outdoors. With quick escapes like Bowen Island and Porteau Cove, Vancouver visitors can easily complement city highlights with beautiful nature. I returned to Vancouver feeling refreshed and ready to explore more of this stunning region where forest meets sea. #trip#instatravel