Hidden Gems: Some of BC’s Most Unique Activities

If you’re feeling that Friday movie nights just aren’t cutting it anymore, we may have the perfect solution. Weekend routines can quickly become tired so we’ve asked around, and done some research on some unique hot spots throughout our big, beautiful province. Sometimes it may not seem like it, but BC has got lots to offer, so we’ve accumulated a list of BC’s best-kept secrets and we’re spillin’ the beans! We’ve tried to keep our list to the low or no-cost options, and did our best to spread the love throughout the province, so take a look and check some out!

Spread your wings at your nearest airport!
Airports are full of culture, and great food. If you live in the Lower Mainland, try to make it out to the Vancouver International Airport for some of the best treats in the world from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company. This deluxe treat shop is open from 7am to 9pm and is located on the second floor of the Main Terminal. The Rocky Mountain Co. offers treats including chocolate, fudge, brittle, ice cream, popcorn, and most importantly candy apples. The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is said to have the world’s largest selection of candy apples including S’mores, Rocky Road, and Tiger Butter, they may be messy but they’re worth it! Try grabbing a treat from this tasty shop, or one of the many others and have a seat to watch the planes come in, or head to the arrivals terminal and check out some picture perfect reunions. Check out what’s in your nearest airport and make a day of it.

Try Spelunking!
Spelunking is a term that is used to describe the exploration of caves. British Columbia is lucky enough to have multiple caves throughout the province, most of which are available to explore at no cost! Spelunking may involve rock-climbing, biking, hiking and some interesting sites. Some caves throughout the province include: Horne Lake Caves in Victoria, Nakimu Caves in Kamloops, Harrison Hot Springs in Harrison, Thanksgiving Caves in Vancouver, Hot Springs Cove in Vancouver Island, Cowichan Lake Caves in the Cowichan Valley, and Upana Caves in Gold River, Vancouver Island. Do some research yourself and find out which caves are closest to you, then pack a lunch and try an adventure, who knows, you might even learn something! Any geologists out there?

An old-school twist on a Friday night movie!
Alright, I know we said that we were giving you ideas to replace Friday movie nights, but this is a bit different. British Columbia has two classic drive-in movie theatres that are definitely worth checking out. Langley’s Twilight Drive-In theatre offers two shows every night of the week, with one additional show on Fridays and Saturdays. The first show generally starts around 8pm, the second around 10pm, and the third at midnight. General admission is $11, Tuesday’s admission is $8.50, and on Thursday a carload of maximum five people is only $25. Go to www.twilightdrivein.net for more information. The Twilight Drive-In is only open from March through to November so make sure you check it out soon. If you are living further North, Enderby has the Starlight Drive-In theatres. Starlight starts playing flicks in May.

Check out the Fudge Factory from Hell!
Hell’s Gates Air tram is located on the Gold Rush Trail in the Fraser Canyon. This intriguing attraction features a tram-ride giving an overview of the rushing river, a suspension bridge and viewing area, gold panning, the smoked salmon shack and the famous fudge factory. While you’re there be sure to indulge in one of their delectable 231 flavours of fudge, then attempt to hold it all in while on the tram, which reaches a maximum height of 341.97 meters. This one may take a little longer than a Friday night, but it’s definitely worth it, even if only for the fudge!

Take in some culture at night!
The Richmond Night Market is located at the Cathay Importers lot in Richmond across from the Ikea. This one of a kind shopping experience features rows of vendor booths including just about anything that can be sold under a nine by nine foot tent. The Night Market is definitely quite a culture experience with miscellaneous items and food from around the world. The event is open from May 18th to October 8th from 7pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 7pm to 11pm on Sundays and long Weekends. There is no charge for admittance to this event, although there is money to be spent, depending on what you choose to purchase. Be sure check it all out as well as the main stage in the back, which often features different acts including bands, magicians and karaoke nights.