Page 38 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 7 | October - November 2024

UBC ENDOWMENT LANDS: grabbing a Purdy’s Chocolatier treat and a SHANNON FALLS
coffee from Tim Hortons (way better than
Campus Oasis the Bangkok version, I promise!) No trip to Squamish is complete without
seeing the spectacle of Shannon Falls,
MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY FUN FACT: where cascading water plunges over
Did you know that Punjabi is one of the rugged cliffs, creating a magnificent natural
The UBC Endowment Lands offer a most widely-spoken foreign languages at spectacle. Hiking through its lush trails, I
treasure trove of exploration. From pristine home in this region? was surrounded by towering Douglas firs
Japanese gardens to eclectic beaches, and and the sound of rushing water – refreshing
the stunning architecture of the library, in every sense.
the campus boasts a variety of natural and SQUAMISH:
cultural attractions. At the Museum of Where the Mountains Meet the Sea THE OKANAGAN:
Anthropology, I was mesmerised by the Wine, Water, and Warmth
stunning In Pursuit of Venus (Infected)
installation, a sweeping 24-metre artwork THE GRAND WALL
that constantly pans across its vast SALMON ARM
canvas. It tells a powerful story about the Just a short drive up the Sea to Sky Highway
oppressive relationships between European from Vancouver, Squamish offers a striking As I made my way up to the Cariboo, I had
colonists and Polynesians. The museum change of pace and altitude, delivering to make a detour to Salmon Arm, where
also showcases the rich culture of Haida stunning cliffs and a treasure trove of the Shuswap (pronounced “shoo-shwap”)
Gwaii, featuring giant hand-carved canoes, outdoor adventure. Known as the climbing drew me in with its massive, H-shaped lake,
intricate totem poles, and exquisite ceramic capital of the world, it’s home to the awe- perfect for waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking,
pieces. inspiring Grand Wall, a sheer granite cliff and fishing. The natural beauty here is
that attracts climbers from around the globe. stunning, and the lake’s expansive shoreline
WRECK BEACH If you’re a fan of mountaineering, you might is ideal for a day of adventure. A big shout
have heard of Alex Honnold and his famous out to my friends and homestay family,
Featuring a steep descent of 473 steps, free-solo climbs here. Even if you’re not the Allaways, for letting me stay in their
Wreck Beach was thriving with visitors scaling the walls yourself, watching climbers beautiful home, while I took in the beauty
seeking a unique coastal experience. This from below is a thrilling experience. We of this quaint, scenic, lakeside haven.
clothing-optional beach is cannabis-friendly, even found an abandoned Black Diamond
creating a relaxed and open atmosphere that chalk bag near the Grand Wall, which has For hiking enthusiasts, the Rubberhead
draws a diverse crowd. As you stroll along since come in handy at the bouldering gym! Trail offers pristine mountain-top views of
the shore, you might even find Indian-style the surrounding landscape. It’s a perfect
clothing like kaftans and palazzo pants for For those who love a hiking challenge, the spot for both beginners and seasoned hikers
sale, adding a touch of desi flair to your Stawamus Chief Trail offers an intense looking to take in the serene surroundings.
beach day. vertical ascent, and trust me, it’s not for the
uninitiated. One hiker joked on Google
that it felt like climbing the stairs to Mount
WHITE ROCK: Doom, and I couldn’t agree more.
A Small-Town Coastal Escape
A day trip to White Rock offers a charming
blend of beachfront fun and laid-back
Canadian vibes. The iconic White Rock
Pier, stretching out over the calm waters of
Semiahmoo Bay, is perfect for a relaxing
walk or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a
bit of pier jumping. There’s also great
paddleboarding and fishing opportunities
by the docks!
For those who love a good bargain, White
Rock is home to some fantastic thrift stores,
like The Salvation Army and The Wilder
Thrift Store, where you can score unique
finds and contribute to a good cause. I
picked up a Brazilian folk music vinyl for
just CAD 2, a BC photography book for
CAD 1, and a pair of gold maple earrings
for CAD 4.
Before you head back, make a pit stop at
the at Semiahmoo Mall to get a taste of
Canada’s classic offerings. Personally, I love

38 | MASALA MAGAZINE OCT-NOV 2024