Food and Water Safety While Travelling

Contaminated food and water cause a wide variety of illnesses worldwide, the most prevalent of which is traveller’s diarrhea. It is important to remember that many countries do not have a safe supply of water for drinking or washing like we do in Canada, and it is up to all travellers to educate themselves on how to reduce their risk. A good place to start is with a basic hygiene routine that includes washing hands with soap and water prior to preparing or eating food and after using the washroom. If water is not available, the use of alcohol-based sanitizers is a suitable alternative. Use a palmful of sanitizer and rub all surfaces of the hands, including between fingers and under nails.

BOIL IT, COOK IT, PEEL IT, OR FORGET IT!

This saying reminds us of the basic safe practices and principles for eating while travelling. Unsafe food and beverages may be contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses.
Tips for food safety:
• Try to eat hot, fresh, well-cooked food and avoid food left out at room temperature.
• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat, fish, or seafood.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables should be washed in safe water, or you should peel them yourself.
• Avoid salads if you are unsure about whether they were cleaned in a produce wash with safe water.
• If you are unsure about what foods might be safe when on the go, carry store-bought packaged snacks with you.
Tips for water safety:
• Commercially sealed beverages—such as water, soda, alcohol, etc.—are considered safe.
• Tap or other fresh water should be purified with chemicals, UV light, filtration, or boiling for one minute before using.
• Beverages are not the only unsafe water source, as lakes, rivers, and streams can also be contaminated and can cause serious illness if ingested through the mouth or nose, even while swimming.
Despite the above measures, there are still risks of becoming sick. This is where vaccines can help. They reduce that risk and protect you from getting ill. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, traveller’s diarrhea, a gastrointestinal illness, is the most common travel-related illness, affecting 30% to 70% of travellers, depending on destination and season. It is most often caused by food and beverages contaminated with bacteria. It can happen anywhere, but it is most common in the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa. The biggest risk with traveller’s diarrhea is dehydration, especially in children.
Symptoms of traveller’s diarrhea include:
• loose, watery stools
• nausea
• stomach cramps
• fever, which is usually mild and resolves within a couple of days
Prevention strategies include washing hands often, choosing safe foods and beverages, brushing teeth with bottled water, and receiving a vaccine if desired. Dukoral® is a vaccine formulated to protect against for two types of severe diarrhea; a specific type of E. coli bacteria (LT-producing ETEC) responsible for most traveller’s diarrhea and Vibrio cholerae the bacteria that causes cholera. Cholera is a severe diarrhea infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and that is prevalent in areas with contaminated water supplies and inadequate sanitation. Two doses of the vaccine are needed to provide protection of three to six months of protection from ETEC and up to two years for cholera. The first dose should be taken at least 14 days prior to travel and the second dose a week later. Future trips may only require a single booster dose depending on how long ago the previous dose was.
If you do happen to experience traveller’s diarrhea, treatment usually consists of:
• drinking safe beverages or oral rehydration salts (examples: Gastrolyte®, Hydralyte®, Pedialyte®)
• taking anti-diarrheal medication such as loperamide (Imodium®) or it’s a generic)s) version for long bus, car, or plane rides where you will not have access to a bathroom
• in severe cases, antibiotics can be prescribed by a healthcare provider
If you are planning to visit an area known for traveller’s diarrhea, consider asking your pharmacist or doctor for a prescription of antibiotics so you have the medication with you if you need to take it. It is important to be aware that some antibiotics can cause side effects such as sun sensitivity. Your pharmacist will review all side effects and precautions with you.

SAFETY FIRST

If you are planning a trip, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider who specializes in travel medicine, or speak to your physician. It is best to schedule an appointment at least four to six weeks prior to travel, as some vaccines need multiple doses for maximum protection. Travellers with shorter timelines are still encouraged to contact a healthcare provider to discuss options.
All our pharmacists can provide general travel tips such as non-prescription medications and products to include in your travel first aid kit. They can also offer guidance on any prescribed medications and vaccines. If you want to purchase Dukoral® vaccine to prevent traveller’s diarrhea, it is often available to purchase without a prescription at the pharmacy counter after a short consultation with a pharmacist. However, insurance claims may require a doctor’s prescription for coverage.

For specialized travel health recommendations, schedule an appointment at one of our Travel Clinics at select London Drugs pharmacy locations. Our London Drugs Travel Clinic Pharmacists have completed additional training and have obtained their Certificate in Travel Health™ from the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM). During your appointment they can will provide you with comprehensive travel advice tailored to your specific itinerary as well as vaccines and medicines to help keep you safe and healthy on your trip. Visit LDTravelClinics.ca for more information about this service our London Drugs Travel Clinics and for a list of our Travel Clinic locations. We want to help you enjoy a safe and healthy vacation.

Travelling Outside Canada? Get Current on Your Vaccinations First

With the summer holiday season approaching, you might be making plans to do some travelling abroad. While booking flights and hotel rooms is usually the first step, making sure you and your family are up to date on all age-appropriate vaccinations is another important part of the trip planning process.

The majority (78%) of Canadians believe that travelling outside of Canada puts them at risk for a number of vaccine-preventable diseases, according to a survey conducted by Insights West on behalf of London Drugs. Despite this, only half (52%) of those who have previously travelled overseas say they have ever received a vaccination specifically for travel. Just three in 10 (31%) are aware that the Government of Canada recommends that Canadians visit a travel clinic before travelling.

A Convenient Way to Update Your Immunity

“Travel vaccinations can be administered by pharmacists and this can be a more convenient, time-saving option for Canadians,” says Lily Liang, a Travel Clinic Pharmacist at London Drugs.

Travel Clinics are offered at select London Drugs locations and Certified Injection Pharmacists can administer common travel vaccinations such as hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, typhoid, and traveller’s diarrhea as well other recommended vaccinations like rabies, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, pneumonia, shingles, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, and rubella.

Liang says getting current on your measles vaccination is particularly important right now, due to reported outbreaks throughout North America.

“The measles vaccine is the best way to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus. If you’re planning an international trip, or if you are unsure of your immunization status, get vaccinated before travelling.”

More than a quarter (28%) of Canadians say they did not receive vaccination for travel because they didn’t feel it was necessary. Yet nine in 10 (89%) Canadians say they strongly believe that travel vaccinations and medications protect themselves and others when travelling and six in 10 (61%) agree that it’s important to review their immunization history before travelling.

“The results seem contradictory but the reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases has caused some concern and confusion about vaccination. It is particularly important for those planning to travel internationally to get vaccinated,” advises Liang. “Beyond the serious health threats of not being vaccinated, travelling without them can really ruin a holiday if you or your loved ones become sick. No one wants to spend their vacation at a doctor’s clinic or hospital in a foreign country.”

Most (79%) Canadians say they are likely to visit their personal doctor to learn about vaccinations before travelling overseas, with pharmacies being the next most popular choice (61%).

London Drugs’ Travel Clinic

London Drugs’ Travel Clinic Pharmacists have obtained specialized training from the International Society of Travel Medicine and have their Travel Health® designation. They can provide advice about medications, vaccinations and health supplies needed for travel as well as the following services:

  • Comprehensive destination consults
  • Personalized travel health advice and record keeping
  • Administration of vaccines and boosters
  • Direct insurance billing

To book a Travel Clinic appointment before your next trip, visit LDTravelClinics.ca.

Real Expert Interview: Family Travel Tips with the Traveling Canucks

Travelling as a family can be tricky. Luckily, for those of us with a need to explore, it’s not impossible. It just takes a shift in mindset from the way you may have thought about travel as a single person.

Travel experts Nicole and Cam Wears of Traveling Canucks are the perfect example of how to travel with kids. Together, they travel around the world with their two young boys. It’s taught them a lot about what it means to travel as a unit, as well as loads about themselves and what they should or shouldn’t do or expect when they’re on the road. They believe it’s possible to have it all — build a career, grow a family, and travel the globe!

So, we asked them eight questions about exactly how they do it. Their thoughtful stories and advice will inspire you to travel more with your family and balance it all.

Real Expert Interview: Useful Travel Tips with Travel Experts, Traveling Canucks


1. Everyone’s story is unique. Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be an expert in travelling?

 

We consider ourselves very fortunate to have travelled to over 75 countries and territories together in the past 15 years, fulfilling many of our life goals and dreams along the way.

Travel is a common passion that has always played an important role in our lives. Our exposure to travel began at young ages, with Cam living in Nairobi, Kenya at age 12 and Nicole backpacking Europe at age 19. After living in Malaysia in 2004 and exploring most of Southeast Asia, we got bitten by the travel bug and have continued to make travel an important part of our lives, even after having kids.

Ten years ago we started Traveling Canucks after we finished an around-the-world tour. Our travel blog has evolved over the years and now the goal of our blog is simple – to share our family travel stories from around the globe and in our beautiful backyard, with the hope that it will inspire others to travel more and help our readers plan the big adventure they’ve been dreaming about.


2. Travelling can be hard. Can you please share any growth moments or revelations you’ve experienced while travelling?

 

Traveling as a family has taught us a lot! We’ve learned about us and our boys. It’s also taught us many things we shouldn’t do when travelling with young kids. A few of our key lessons learned while travelling with young kids are:

1) Don’t try to replicate the way you used to travel before having children. Things are different now, so try not to squeeze too many activities or sightseeing into one day.

2) To ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep, it’s best to find accommodations that have separate sleeping areas.

3) Jet lag is real – especially with kids. Plan for the worst, hope for the best!

We have a story with more information about this topic. For a list of our top 10 lessons learned for family travel, you can find it here.


3. Do you have any guidance for those wanting to travel more? Perhaps some preparation, tools, or mindset suggestions?

 

Travel with kids, especially young kids, can be seem daunting. But, the more you travel with them, the easier it gets. They’ll learn what to expect and what’s expected of them during the trip.

Both our boys flew for the first time at three months old. We went to Palm Springs both times. We chose Palm Springs because it was an easy two-hour flight from Vancouver and it didn’t involve a time change. We then worked up to Europe with our oldest son when he was eight months old.

By taking smaller trips with him prior, we felt mostly prepared for travelling with him through Europe.

Real Expert Interview: Useful Travel Tips with Travel Experts, Traveling Canucks


4. What are some things you can’t — or won’t — travel without?

 

1) We try to capture a lot of our trip and experiences in pictures and video. So we always bring our camera and GoPro with us.

2) We also always bring our tablets. They provide entertainment for our kids on long car rides and flights. We download Netflix movies and shows before we leave home, so we don’t need to rely on having wi-fi on the road.

3) Our kids can’t travel without their puppies (aka stuffies). It would be a disaster if they got left behind so they are one of the first items to be packed in their travel suitcases.

4) We always bring kids Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, and Kaopectate. When you need them, you’ll be happy that you brought them. If you aren’t sure what your kids need, talk to a Pharmacist you trust.


5. What about items people tend to pack but don’t need? What are a couple things people should NOT travel with?

 

We are getting better, but we always tend to pack more clothes than we actually need. One question that we now always ask ourselves is: At any point will we have access to a washer and dryer? If our answer is yes, then we halve the amount of clothes that we intended to bring.

Another question to ask is about car seats. Do you need a car seat with you? In some cases, you do. But if you’re going to an all-inclusive, it’s possible you may not need a car seat.

Real Expert Interview: Useful Travel Tips with Travel Experts, Traveling Canucks


6. How do you decide what to pack, and what not to pack?

 

It depends on where you’re going, but the one thing that we do is we pick clothing that is versatile.

For example, a pair of jeans or a pair of black leggings can be worn with most tops. I recently became an ambassador for a Canadian travel clothing company called Fig Clothing, and now most of my travel wardrobe is from Fig. It’s comfy, stylish, and versatile, which is exactly what I look for when travelling.

Another tip is to start packing a week before you leave. This gives you time to think about what you actually need. If you pack the night before leaving, you’ll likely add way more items than you actually need.


7. For folks looking to skip the baggage carousel with just a carry-on, what advice or hacks do you have about travelling light?

 

We like using packing cubes to help organize our clothes because it separates our items (shirts, pants, and underwear, etc.). We’ve found that it has helped us be more organized by having a dedicated space for certain items, and we pack less and more carefully. Plus, it’s a lot easier to find your clothes when you arrive at your destination.

We mentioned it before, but we also try to book a place where you can wash your clothes part way through the trip. This will allow you to bring less.


8. What are a few unconventional, surprising, or quirky suggestions you have to pack like a pro?

 

We always bring a separate bag full of food and snacks, especially when we are flying. You may think that you can’t bring food with you on a plane, but you can! Just stay away from fruit and meat. Our youngest has an allergy to dairy and eggs so we are always planning ahead when it comes to food, but it’s a really handy tip for any travelling families.

We always include snacks, like crackers and chips. A few unconventional items that we bring are instant oatmeal and Mr. Noodles that come in individual containers because all you need is hot water. We also like to bring small cereal pouches and plastic bowls and spoons. Our kids can choose to eat the cereal plain, or we ask for milk and they can have a bowl of cereal. For our son with the dairy allergy, we bring rice milk with us and declare it at the airport when we go through security.

Pro tip: especially when you’re flying, don’t expect the airlines to have food for your kids. We bring our own food for the trip so they can eat when they are hungry.

Real Expert Interview: Useful Travel Tips with Travel Experts, Traveling Canucks


Cam & Nicole Wears are a Canadian couple with two young boys, who choose to make travel a priority. They believe it is possible to build a career and family AND travel the globe and follow your passions. Their blog is where they share their travel stories and tips they learn while balancing travel, work, and family. Learn about their story here, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

For additional tips on how to pack like a pro, or for travel insurance, drop by your local London Drugs and talk to any of our in-store experts.

Real Expert Interview: Pack Like a Pro with Travel Expert Claire Newell

If you’ve ever struggled with packing for a getaway, raise your hand. Yup – we’re with you.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, deciding what to take and what to leave behind can be a challenge. You want to be prepared, but you want to avoid the burden of a heavy suitcase, never mind getting caught at the airport with extra luggage fees or looking like you just crawled out of the suitcase itself during your trip because all your clothes are a wrinkled mess.

We asked Claire Newell, a North American travel expert with over 26 years’ experience and 65+ countries under her money belt, for her advice on packing like a pro. Her expert tips will get you packed up in no time!

Real Expert Interview: Pack Like a Pro with Travel Expert Claire Newell


1. How do you decide what to pack and what not to pack?

 

I Real Expert Interview: Pack Like a Pro with Travel Expert Claire Newellhave three main criteria:

  • The first thing I look at is the weather at the destination I am visiting.
  • The next thing I look at is the reason I am travelling – business or pleasure – which determines the type of items I include.
  • And lastly, I look at my itinerary to see what activities I am doing each day.

Beyond that, most of my travel clothes are neutral mix-and-match pieces that I can wear multiple times with jewellery or accessories that are small and easy to pack. I wear a super comfy travelling outfit on the flight there and back, typically with runners, which I like to have for walking around and exploring a destination. And I never forget to have some warmer pieces for layering in case it gets chilly, even when going to a beach destination.


2. What are 3 things you can’t – or won’t – travel without?

 

That’s easy.

  1. My black pashmina scarf
  2. My Pacsafe theft-proof cross-body bag
  3. My carry-on luggage

3. How do you best pack liquids, which can be a challenge for both checked and carry-on luggage?

 

I only travel with carry-on luggage so I have to follow the ‘3-1-1 rule.” Basically that means 1 x 1-litre clear zip-top bag, with containers no larger than 100ml. This can be tough with all of the products I like to use for my face and hair, so I put all of my favourite products into small (some of which are really tiny!) re-fillable containers that I have bought over the years.

Cary on luggage Real Expert Interview: Pack Like a Pro with Travel Expert Claire Newell


4. What about items people tend to pack but don’t need? What are 1-3 things people should NOT travel with?

 

  1. More than one pair of jeans.
  2. Too many pairs of shoes.
  3. If they are staying in a hotel, hair dryers.

5. Do you have any tips on how to ease the process of going through security at the airport?

 

Keep things organized in a carry-on bag with lots of compartments. If you don’t have compartments, use Ziplock bags to create your own compartments to organize your travel documents, liquids, prescriptions, and electronics.

Shoes that easily slip on and off are a must. Some airports make you take them off and others don’t, but it’s best to be prepared!

If you travel more than a couple of times a year, I really recommend getting a Nexus card. It’s $50 for 5 years and worth it.

Real Expert Interview: Pack Like a Pro with Travel Expert Claire Newell


6. For folks looking to skip the baggage carousel with just a carry-on, what advice or hacks do you have about travelling light?

 

There are so many. Here are a few key suggestions:

  • Make a packing list!
  • Plan your outfits ahead of time so that you pack as efficiently as possible.
  • Pack versatile items that can go from day to night with a few accessory changes. Don’t forget that you likely won’t use that item you “might” need. And if you end up needing something desperately, you can likely buy it at your destination.
  • Laundry soap sheets are always a good idea for washing items in your hotel room sink. You can also buy sheets of soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, etc. — think Listerine breath strips. There’s lots of options for these things when you’re on the go!

7. What are a few unconventional, surprising, or quirky suggestions you have to pack like a pro?

 

I swear by packing items on metal hangers, covering them with a dry cleaning bag, and rolling into my bag. When I arrive I simply unroll it and hang in the closet without needing to iron anything.

Make sure heavy items are packed closest to the wheels so they don’t shift and mess everything up when you put your bag upright.

Don’t forget to use all the space in your suitcase! Fill your shoes with loose items like underwear and socks.


 

Claire Newell is the official Travel Expert for Global News and CKNW radio, and the bestselling author of Travel Best Bets: An Insider’s Guide to Taking Your Best Trip Ever. She has appeared multiple times on NBC’s TODAY Show, Fox News, and CNN, and has been published in Success, Professional Woman, Reader’s Digest, and Today’s Parent. When she’s not busy trotting the globe, you can find Claire out boating, tucked away with a good book, or spending time with family, friends, and of course, her eight-pound Chihuahua, Joe.

You can find out more about Claire on her website ClaireNewell.com, as well as on Facebook and Instagram. Or, discover more of her great travel tips on TravelBestBets.com, TravelBestBets Facebook page, or TravelBestBets Instagram. For additional tips on how to pack like a pro, or for travel insurance, drop by your local London Drugs and talk to any of our in-store experts. 

 

Health Tips Video: Stay Safe and Healthy While Travelling

Find out what travel vaccinations you need at London Drugs

Travel is an incredible way to get outside of your comfort zone, both figuratively and literally. You can enjoy new experiences, try some exciting new foods, and meet amazing new people across the world. It’s no wonder that travel is good for your mental health. But stepping outside of your normal routine can sometimes make it harder to keep up your physical health.

When planning a trip, there are a few things to take into consideration in order to stay healthy.

Pre-trip Vaccinations

Getting vaccinated before your trip can protect you from dangerous diseases you may encounter while travelling.

We’re incredibly lucky in Canada that we don’t have to worry much about getting serious diseases like typhoid, yellow fever, or Japanese encephalitis. But travellers need to consider the health risks where they’re going and ensure they’re prepared, says London Drugs pharmacist Lily Liang.

What Vaccines Do You Need?

The vaccines you need will depend on where you’re going and what you plan on Find out what travel vaccines you need at London Drugsdoing there. The risks will be different in different countries, or in urban areas versus more remote locations. Thankfully, many diseases like Hepatitis A and B are preventable with immunization.

The Public Health Agency of Canada lists travel health notices on its website, or you can talk to a London Drugs Travel Clinic Pharmacist for advice about what vaccinations or precautions you should take.

Some countries will also require proof of vaccination in order for you to enter. For example, proof of vaccination for yellow fever is required for people visiting certain countries in South America and Africa. London Drugs is a Designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, and our Travel Clinic Pharmacists can vaccinate you and provide a certificate of proof.

How to Pack Your Medications

Find out what travel vaccines you need at London Drugs

If you have a chronic health condition, you can still travel! Make sure you have enough of your medications to last through the trip (plus some extra just in case!), and carry a record of all your medications and vaccinations. Be sure to keep your medications in their original containers.

Get a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and any medical supplies you’ll bring with you. This can make it much easier to get through security and borders without any trouble.

If you’ll be crossing time zones, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about adjusting your medication schedule.

Buying Medical Insurance

Find out what travel vaccines you need at London Drugs

Lastly, consider travel medical insurance. Your provincial health care plan and extended benefits through an employer may not cover every situation. Accidents happen!

The best way to ensure you’ll have a fantastic trip is to be prepared. Talk to a health professional or one of our Travel Clinic Pharmacists at least 6-8 weeks before you travel to ensure you have all the information you need.

For more information about travel immunizations and staying healthy while travelling, visit our travel clinic webpage or book a travel clinic appointment.

8 Places to See Beautiful Christmas Lights in Canada

There’s something truly magical about Christmas lights during the holidays. Thousands of twinkling lights can make any place feel like you’re walking in a winter wonderland. We’ve rounded up eight of our favourite spots in Canada to take in Christmas light shows, tunnels, and even a train.

1. Grouse Mountain

Christmas lights Grouse Mountain Beautiful Canada - London Drugs

Photo by @vancitywild

After taking the gondola up Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, BC, walk through a tunnel of lights before skating and grabbing hot cocoa. Tip: it’s a great holiday date spot!

2. VanDusen Botanical Garden

Walk among the maze of Christmas lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, BC. For many it’s a yearly tradition to see the Festival of Lights!

3. CP Holiday Train

CP Holiday Train London Drugs

The CP Holiday Train is travelling from province to province collecting donations for North America’s food banks. Find out when the train is coming to a town near you – and see a live holiday show!

4. Leduc County Christmas Lights

Walking in a Christmas wonderland at Leduc County Christmas Lights in Alberta! Remember to bring a donation for the food bank and snap a great picture with these twinkling lights.

5. Vancouver Christmas Market

Stand inside a giant Christmas tree at the Vancouver Christmas Market! Reflective of a traditional German market, shop for classic treats, visit local vendors with handmade goodies, and ride the merry-go-round.

6. Bankers Hall

Bankers Hall Calgary - London Drugs Blog

Photo by @aliyahkm

With a huge Christmas tree surrounded by lights, put Bankers Hall in Calgary on your to-visit list for a picture-worthy moment!

7. Prince’s Island Park

Prince's Island Park Calgary - London Drugs Blog

Photo by @anaib

Walk over to Prince’s Island Park near downtown Calgary, AB, for a bridge full of lights and festive Christmas cheer.

8. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge - London Drugs Blog

Photo by @vancitywild

All lit up for Christmas, the Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park are beautiful over the holidays. It gets busy though, so go early or on weeknights if you can!

Did we miss somewhere? Tell us in the comments! Merry Christmas from all of us at London Drugs!

5 Great Summer Getaways from Vancouver

Summer Travel from Vancouver London Drugs Blog

When we’re already surrounded by so much natural beauty, it’s easy to forget that there are other amazing places to explore outside of Vancouver. And they’re not far away! At London Drugs, we’re proud of our Canadian roots and we love discovering new places to travel—right here in our beautiful country. So, if summertime has you feeling like it’s time to pack up the car and hit the road, here are some great ideas for local travel this summer.

Yoho National Park, BC

760 km from Vancouver

Emerald Lake Yoho National Park London Drugs

Cruise the Trans Canada Highway to the spectacular Yoho National Park, located on the western side of the Rocky Mountains, in eastern BC. Named for a Cree expression of awe and wonder, Yoho has an abundance of natural beauty including waterfalls, 400 km of trails, crystal clear lakes, and four campgrounds. Train buffs can watch trains entering the spiral tunnels near Kicking Horse Pass.

Nelson, BC

650 km from Vancouver

Nelson BC Getaway London Drugs

Known as the “Queen City” of the Kootenays, Nelson is a rare gem. It has maintained its heritage feel while still providing plenty for visitors to do. It has more restaurants per capita than Manhattan or San Francisco, so it’s a foodie’s paradise. Wander around the downtown core and take in the restaurant scene or one of the many coffee houses or breweries. If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, Nelson also boasts impressive river rafting or kayaking on Kootenay Lake, as well as ziplining over the Kokanee Creek Canyon.

The Okanagan Valley

400 km from Vancouver

Okanagan Lake BC Roadtrip Vancouver London Drugs

Known for its sunny and dry climate, the Okanagan Valley provides a stunning backdrop for boating, water sports, golfing, and wine tasting. This region has long been a summer playground for visitors from Vancouver and Alberta alike. Whether you’re exploring the many vineyards in Kelowna, the desert oasis in Osoyoos, golfing in Penticton, or boating on Kalamalka Lake in Vernon, there’s always something to do in the Okanagan Valley.

Pemberton, BC

158 km from Vancouver

Pemberton BC Joffre Lake Getaway from Vancouver London Drugs

Most of us think of Whistler when we think of a quick getaway close to Vancouver. But just 20km north of Whistler is Pemberton, a quieter option which also has a lot to offer. There’s hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, golfing, and fishing, to name a few. With plenty of lakes in the area, water sports are popular and visitors can enjoy white water rafting, kayaking, and jet boat tours. Pemberton is also an agri-tourism hot spot and features u-pick farms, a distillery tour, bustling farmers markets, and the slow food cycle every Sunday in the summer.

Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville, BC

115 km from Vancouver

Parksville BC Vancouver Getaway London Drugs

Located in the 347-hectare park near Parksville, Rathtrevor Beach is surrounded by Douglas Firs. It’s perfect for exploring the wooded trails as you make your way to this wide sandy beach. At low tide, the ocean recedes one-kilometre into the Strait of Georgia, providing lots of space to enjoy the sand and surf. This spot is ideal for lovers of wildlife and many varieties of birdlife, including eagles, hawks and owls. It’s also home to the Rathtrevor Beach Nature House. You will need to ferry to Nanaimo and then drive to Parksville to access Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.


Whatever sort of summer getaway you are after, there’s plenty to offer right here in our Canadian backyard. Wherever you go, London Drugs is your first stop for local Canadian products. Happy travels!

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