Bored with the gym? Go to Squamish

The rowing machine is traded in for a sea kayaking tour with Coast River Kayak School. They provide the equipment, training and commentary for a paddle out towards Howe Sound, stopping to taking in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you; mountains, birds, kites from the nearby kite boarding school, rustic beaches, logging activity and the occasional seal popping up and down.

Hiking The Chief, Canada's largest granite monolith, offers a natural and scenic Stairmaster, featuring a steep hiking trail up over 600 meters of rocky terrain. Stone and wooden stairways take you up to ladders and chains before eventually opening up to the top to an unparalleled view of Squamish Valley.

The only better view you'll get is with the Sea to Sky Air team. Flying out of Squamish's tiny airport, tours up and down the valley are offered, and fliers can also have the opportunity to "take the wheel" with an expert flight instructor.

Spinning class can wait when you have the opportunity to rent bikes from the Sea to Sky Adventure Company (located inside the beautiful Squamish Adventure Centre). From mountain bikes which can take on the many trails, to the more sedate cruisers which are perfect for a gentle cycle down riverside paths and through the downtown area. Cycle down to the Howe Sound Brewery, which offers 30+ types of craft beers. Their once a month beer-pairing dinners have become a huge hit. Don't worry about jumping on that bike again afterwards, as the Brewpub is also an Inn, with 20 rooms available.

Jumping and bumping is something you do in an aqua fit class; replace that with the white water rafting rides offered by Canadian Outback Adventures. The Elaho River tour takes brave participants down heaving Class IV rapids, bouncing and throwing up gallons of glacial water. The quieter parts of this river, and the Squamish River that it joins up with, allow for a break from the "Paddle hard" commands of the rugged raft guides. Guests of the Executive Suites Resort & Hotel can be picked up on site, and then return for drinks and gourmet food at The Living Room restaurant, or enjoy a meal in their kitchen-fit suite.

While the outdoors defines Squamish, the Britannia Mine Muse shows what happens underneath the scenic elements. This historic site allows visitors to go down the tunnels, learn about mining and enter into the massive mill building, where the ghosts of miners are felt. Kids love the oversized dump truck and play area, while adults are drawn in by this important piece of copper history.

Every work out needs fueling, and the perfect spot is the award winning Fergie's Café, located at the charming Sunwolf lodge, which includes 10 cabins and one larger building available for renting.

In 2014, the views from the top of Squamish become available to everyone with the Sea to Sky Gondola. Set to open in July 2014, this highly anticipated addition will allow all to travel up 2,500 feet and once there, enjoy a restaurant, retails shops, and a suspension bridge. For those still looking for an active alternative, trails will trace the gondola's path, with new hiking and biking trails to be added at the summit.

Story by Kathy Buckworth

Originally posted on the Huffington Post.