Shape
Shape Your Weekend: Stay Fit in Vancouver
By: Nancy Coulter-Parker

April 2009

When you arrive in Vancouver, you inevitably notice the spectacular seascapes, green parks, and snow-covered mountains. So you can't help imagining the boundless activities this natural playground has to offer, including kayaking, mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and skiing. Add to that booming restaurant and shopping scenes, and this coastal city is the perfect three-day getaway.

FRIDAY
It can be hard to decide where to start, but we recommend dividing your trip into two parts: Spend the first day and a half touring Vancouver, then dedicate the rest of your weekend to exploring Whistler, home to some of the best skiing in the world, which is just two hours away. The Opus Hotel in Yaletown, the trendy area of downtown is a centrally located home base. From there walk east to Quayside Marina and take the ferry ($4.) to Granville lsland, where you'll find semperviva Yoqa (1333 Johnston St.). The studio's water views provide extra relaxation while you're flowing through your sun salutations. After class head over to Granville Island Public Market, where you'll find fresh produce, gourmet foods, flowers, wine, and galleries. Browse the stalls or immerse yourself in the burgeoning local foodie culture with a three-hour culinary tour ($65 per person; edible-britishcolumbia.com)…

…SATURDAY
Fuel up at Elixir in the Opus Hotel, as you'll need energy for this morning adventure: a hike up grouse Mountain, just 15 minutes outside the city. Head north over the Lions Gate Bridge, then drive all the way up Capilano Road. Although you could ride the tram to the top of "the Grind," as the locals call it, hiking up Grouse will work your quads and butt like no gym machine can. The rigorous trek leads you 2,800 feet up a wooded dirt tail. At the top, enjoy views of the city and a latte as you catch your breath, then- hooray!- tram it ($5) down…

…Around Town
Where to stay

Vancouver's 96-room Opus Hotel is centrally located and boasts a well-equipped gym and complimentary mountain bikes for guests (rooms from $239, opushotel.com).

In Whistler the intimate Adara Hotel (rooms from $249; adrahotel.com) offers easy access to Whistler Village and the lifts…

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