In a season full of events and deadlines, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just get away. That was my mentality when I took a little trip last week, only a few weeks before the holidays. And it was definitely the best decision I could've made - I've come back absolutely refreshed and relaxed (even in the midst of the shitstorm that is preparing for the holidays and launching a new campaign at work). Maybe it was the mountain air.

The destination was the beautiful coast of BC, along the Sea to Sky highway - Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler. This was my first time being back in almost a decade! Fun fact, Vancouver was my first ever trip without parents so it will always hold a place in my mind as a destination full of freedom and adventure.

On the relaxation note, I finally understand why people who move to Toronto from BC find the move jarring. I don't mean to rain on the Toronto parade - I love this city. There are reasons you would want to live or visit both, albeit very different reasons. Toronto's cultural scene is absolutely booming, with new game-changing restaurants opening almost weekly, dozens of museums and artistic spaces supporting our creators, world-class sports teams, and cultural enclaves all over the city allowing you to travel the globe in a couple of subway stops. However, Toronto's live to work attitude is a bit dreary compared to the work to live approach in the West. All I'm saying is that Torontonians should work at stopping to smell the roses a bit more.

British Columbians have their priorities in order - they value the environment, their local businesses, and a sense of community. Their food scene is incredible, especially if you are interested in healthy, clean food, fresh (sustainably sourced!) seafood, or have any sort of dietary restriction (seriously, I've never seen so many paleo/gluten-free/dairy-free options). Also - in an age of globalization, it is pretty cool to be in big cities or tourist towns with such close ties to their local artisans and entrepreneurs - it makes shopping feel a bit more unique and worth spending precious vacation time to do.

With that being said, if you find yourself on the West Coast, here are a few places you should stop in to enjoy.

Whistler Village

Camp - A classic West Coast "dry goods" store with a coffee bar and in-house creative agency. It’s a great store for the aspirational rugged outdoorsman (read: those who aren’t that outdoorsy but want to appear so). They sell everything from awesome coffee table books about iconic hikes, to amazing casual sweats in the most luxurious fabrics and cuts. 

Purebread - A delicious bakery chain, originally from Whistler, now with multiple outposts in Gastown, Mt. Pleasant and Kits. Recommendations from a Purebread alumni employee (Hi Chels, if you’re reading this!) are as follows: the caramelized banana brownie, lemon chevre brownie, buckwheat sour cherry scone, and the cheddar jalapeno loaf. We got all the above and can vouch for the fact that they are delicious.

3 Singing Birds - Oooh I loved this shop! It’s a creative’s haven, the lifestyle products all eco-minimalist and handcrafted, it makes me feel cozy just thinking about it. 

The Corner Deli - A new post-ski, healthy and quick service food spot in the Village, this little sandwich bar served up the best Bahn Mi sandwich I’ve ever had!

The ski hill (obviously!) - I really enjoyed skiing Whistler mountain although most people who live out there that I spoke to preferred Blackcomb. Even if you’re not a skier, take a ride in the gondola to the peak and then ride the Peak to Peak gondola for some (potentially vertigo-inducing, but beautiful) views.

Vancouver

Tacofino - I would consider myself a taco connoisseur, as in, I eat a lot of tacos. No taco shop in Toronto holds a candle to the deliciousness at the Tofino-surf-shack-born-and-bred tacos of Tacofino. Interesting, complex pairings; unexpected flavour profiles; vegetarian tacos that are finally not just cauliflower (hip hip hooray)!! My favourites were the fried chicken, steak, and eggplant (okay - that’s all the tacos I ordered, but they were insane). Blood orange margs rounded out the meal nicely.

Nemesis Coffee - Nemesis is Vancouver’s answer to Toronto’s Quantum coffee. 70s-chic interiors in the bustling Gastown neighbourhood make for a cozy afternoon.

The Latest Scoop - This shop just opened on Ossington in Toronto’s West End, but it is Vancouver born and bred. The clothes are beautifully curated, feminine pieces with some fun household decor scattered around the shop as well.

Little Mountain - I wish dearly that Toronto had a Little Mountain store as I could see myself wearing pretty much only their clothes ever again. Amazing blazers, trousers and dresses that are very classic and super versatile, whether they be for work or play.

Paper Ya (Granville Island) - Book stores and paper stores are maybe two of the most relaxing, feel-good venues in the entire world. Paper Ya has some adorable little treasures, from perfect coffee table books about art history, to beautiful stationary, and the best fountain pens in the game (please excuse my full-nerd moment, but also, am I wrong that these are some of the best things in life?!).

Squamish

Cloudburst Cafe - A great cafe for setting up shop to research all the amazing sights and ski hills of BC. Grab a matcha latte, or maybe an Irish coffee and set up shop for the day in this bright and cheery coffee shop.

The Joinery - We didn’t end up eating here but popped in to see the adorable interiors of the family-style restaurant, the Joinery. The menu looked fabulous and smelled great, especially for brunch!

Zephyr Cafe - A vegan cafe with awesome brunch options and a funky interior to relax. The Chai latte was delicious!

Nootka + Sea - This apothecary-like shop is very representative of BC values - tons of fantastic local, natural beauty products and little succulents to brighten up your space.

The Adventure Centre - Great coffee and other caffeinated beverages (particularly their Squamish Fog)!

Billie's Flower House - Right beside Zephyr, pop into this lovely flower shop to find a ton of other adorable knick knacks, home decor, and gifts.

Howe Sound Brewing - Super cute, chalet-like bar. Great spot to kick back for a local brew or two.

Tantalus Bike Shop - Truthfully, not there for the physical activity but definitely there for their in-house bottles of Tantalus hot sauce!

The Stawamus Chief - Not going to lie, this hike kicked my ass. I couldn't walk properly for at least three days and 500 m elevation in 4 km to the first peak was a bit of a lung burner but it was worth it for those views!