The world's first skate-park was completed here in Carlsbad in March of 1976. Get your knee and elbow pads, don your helmet and rip up the park that gave birth to a worldwide sport that everyone learned to love.

Bikes are an important part of the transportation system in Vancouver. Navigate the numerous cycle paths and bike routes, ranging from easy, flat terrain around Stanley Park to mountain biking on the famous North Shore. You can safely move through the city at your pace and see more than you would on foot or by bus. Vancouver's moderate climate makes it possible to cycle almost year-round. The city does have some steep hills and downtown traffic can be a bit much sometimes. Check out the City of Vancouver’s Bicycle Route Map & Guide to plan your journey. Remember, that British Columbia has a mandatory helmet law. The easiest way to get a bicycle is to sign up for the Mobi Bikes sharing system. Alternatively, you could join a bike tour.

Voted number 1 for 'Best Massage' for three consecutive years, this spa, seated on the edge of downtown Carlsbad, uses and sells the same alkaline water that helped put its city on the map. It's also aptly located on the Historic site of the original artesian well.

Check out the magnificent caves at Puente Viesgo (24 kilometres from Santander), where stalactites and stalagmites stretch among incredible prehistoric paintings. The village itself is also worth a look around. Tours start at the visitor centre 1.5 kilometres above the village.