Blog Post

5 of Vancouver’s Most Popular Winter Activities

Katherine Martin • Feb 18, 2016

Skiing & Snowboarding (Not Included)

Do you live in or near Vancouver? Are you an outdoors lover, minus the whole skiing and snowboarding thing? Are you wondering how to spend your free time during the long, dreary winter months? Well, wonder no longer! The following are five non-skiing/snowboarding adventures that will get you outside and near (but not on) the slopes this winter…exactly where you want to be:

Ice skating (Robson Square)

Got the ice skating bug? If so, you have options. You could fire up your classic Nintendo and play some Blades of Steel (truly a classic of our time). Additionally, you could retrieve and play your copy of Blades of Glory, starring Will Ferrell. However, provided these excellent, albeit lazy, options don’t satisfy- if you simply must have the real thing, then look no further than the ice rink and plaza at Robson Square (sponsored and maintained by the Government of British Columbia).

This popular family attraction opens on December 1st of each year, and boasts extended holiday hours (closing for good at the end of February). Skating is free (which is a rarity these days) provided you bring your own skates. Otherwise the skate rental, with rental helmet included (safety first!), will set you back $4.00. A great deal by any standard.

This winter adventure, for which you don’t even need to leave the city, is fun for the whole family! It’s an afternoon complete with rosy cheeks, hot chocolate (fresh from the on-site concession stand) and a whole lot of laughs.

Snow Tubing (Grouse/Cypress/Whistler)

Rated a “2” out of “5” on the adventure scale, but a “5” out of “5” on the fun scale, we find snow tubing. This is a popular winter option across this great country of ours; however, the west, (according to many) does it best, with superbly maintained runs at some of the most well known mountains to grace the known landscape. Here are three options:

Squamish (Sea to Sky Gondola)
It’ll cost you five bucks to use the tubing hill in addition to $12 to $34 (depending on your age) for a gondola ticket, but the thrill is there, if you want it!

Cypress Mountain
Located a mere hop, skip and a jump from Vancouver proper, Cypress Mountain boasts six “tube shoots” from which to choose, varying in extremes from: your grandma’s tubing hill to “strap in and hold on tight”. The choice is truly yours.

Mount Seymour
The cost at this hill is a little steeper than the others (coming in at between $20 and $22 for two hours), but the fun, for many, is worth the price of admission. Also, Seymour includes a “tube tow”, so depending on who you are, an easy ride back to the top may very well be worth the extra few dollars. There is a sliding hill at this location as well, but this also costs a pretty penny- $10 is the standard rate, here, no time restrictions.

Snowshoeing

Continuing on our winter activities tour (minus the skiing and snowboarding), we come upon the sport (?) of snowshoeing. This is a touch more adventurous than snow tubing in addition to being a load more physically taxing, but the rewards: that of finding yourself in the great outdoors while clocking valuable exercise, are worth it to many snowshoe junkies. “Official” trails are available at most of the major ski hills (Cypress, Grouse, Seymour, Whistler, and Blackcomb) in addition to free trails in and throughout the lower mainland.

Cross Country Skiing (Cypress/Whistler’s Olympic Park)

Combine the physicality of snowshoeing with a heightened level of skill, and what do you get? That’s right…cross country skiing. Of note here, Cypress Mountain includes several kilometres of groomed trails complete with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and delicious meals at their lodge. Additionally, if you don’t mind driving the extra distance, Whistler’s Olympic Park is a state of the art, cross country skiing heaven.

Visit Vancouver Island

Finally, I’d be remissed if I didn’t mention the beauty that is Vancouver Island. When the January/February doldrums hit, what better than cross the channel into green grass, rain forests, surfing and hiking. BC Ferries terminals in Tsawwassen and Departure Bay give quick access to this mid-winter hideaway. It’s like winter never existed.

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Mail

Katherine Martin

Origin Mortgages

Phone: 1-604-454-0843
Email: kmartin@planmymortgage.ca
Fax: 1-604-454-0842

A First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

By Katherine Martin • 18 Apr, 2024

Dreaming of owning your first home? A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) could be your key to turning that dream into a reality. Let's dive into what an FHSA is, how it works, and why it's a smart investment for first-time homebuyers. What is an FHSA? An FHSA is a registered plan designed to help you save for your first home taxfree. If you're at least 18 years old, have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and have not owned a home where you lived for the past four calendar years, you may be eligible to open an FHSA. Reasons to Invest in an FHSA: Save up to $40,000 for your first home. Contribute tax-free for up to 15 years. Carry over unused contribution room to the next year, up to a maximum of $8,000. Potentially reduce your tax bill and carry forward undeducted contributions indefinitely. Pay no taxes on investment earnings. Complements the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP). How Does an FHSA Work? Open Your FHSA: Start investing tax-free by opening your FHSA. Contribute Often: Make tax-deductible contributions of up to $8,000 annually to help your money grow faster. Withdraw for Your Home: Make a tax-free withdrawal at any time to purchase your first home. Benefits of an FHSA: Tax-Deductible Contributions: Contribute up to $8,000 annually, reducing your taxable income. Tax-Free Earnings: Enjoy tax-free growth on your investments within the FHSA. No Taxes on Withdrawals: Pay $0 in taxes on withdrawals used to buy a qualifying home. Numbers to Know: $8,000: Annual tax-deductible FHSA contribution limit. $40,000: Lifetime FHSA contribution limit. $0: Taxes on FHSA earnings when used for a qualifying home purchase. In Conclusion A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a powerful tool for first-time homebuyers, offering tax benefits and a structured approach to saving for homeownership. By taking advantage of an FHSA, you can accelerate your journey towards owning your first home and make your dream a reality sooner than you think.

Understanding the Recent Housing Affordability Measures in Canada

By Katherine Martin • 18 Apr, 2024

In recent years, housing affordability has become a significant concern for many Canadians, particularly for first-time homebuyers facing soaring prices and strict mortgage qualification criteria. To address these challenges, the Canadian government has introduced several housing affordability measures. In this blog post, we'll examine these measures and their potential implications for homebuyers. Increased Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) Withdrawal Limit Effective April 16, the Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) withdrawal limit will be raised from $35,000 to $60,000. The HBP allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw funds from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to use towards a down payment on a home. By increasing the withdrawal limit, the government aims to provide young Canadians with more flexibility in saving for their down payments, recognizing the growing challenges of entering the housing market. Extended Repayment Period for HBP Withdrawals In addition to increasing the withdrawal limit, the government has extended the repayment period for HBP withdrawals. Individuals who made withdrawals between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025, will now have five years instead of two to begin repayment. This extension provides borrowers with more time to manage their finances and repay the withdrawn amounts, alleviating some of the immediate financial pressures associated with using RRSP funds for a down payment. 30-Year Mortgage Amortizations for Newly Built Homes Starting August 1, 2024, first-time homebuyers purchasing newly built homes will be eligible for 30-year mortgage amortizations. This change extends the maximum mortgage repayment period from 25 years to 30 years, resulting in lower monthly mortgage payments. By offering longer amortization periods, the government aims to increase affordability and assist homebuyers in managing their housing expenses more effectively. Changes to the Canadian Mortgage Charter The government has also introduced changes to the Canadian Mortgage Charter to provide relief to homeowners facing financial challenges. These changes include early mortgage renewal notifications and permanent amortization relief for eligible homeowners. By implementing these measures, the government seeks to support homeowners in maintaining affordable mortgage payments and mitigating the risk of default during times of financial hardship. The recent housing affordability measures announced by the Canadian government are aimed at addressing the challenges faced by homebuyers in today's market. These measures include increasing withdrawal limits, extending repayment periods, and offering longer mortgage amortizations. The goal is to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for Canadians across the country. As these measures come into effect, it's crucial for homebuyers to stay informed about the changes and their implications. Consulting with a mortgage professional can help individuals explore their options and make informed decisions about their housing finances. If you're interested in learning more about these changes and how they may affect you, please don't hesitate to connect with us. We're here to walk you through the process and help you consider all your options and find the one that makes the most sense for you.