Sleek amenities and first-rate pampering awaits at this eco-friendly hotel.

Want to get away from Seattle, but unwilling to give up the feel of comfortable, high-rise living?  Just a few hours away in the not-so-sleepy Victoria, BC — the Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa awaits. This luxurious stopover has been delighting guests since it opened two years ago.

When the Pearson Family was designing the Parkside, their goal was to build a structure that would have little impact on the environment.  While taking me on a tour around the atrium, Parkside’s Neil Judson explained the recycled carpet and strategic drainage landscaping.

“Parkside is targeting LEED Platinum Certification (the highest level) and was recently awarded a 5 Green Key rating (also the highest) with the Green Key Global Eco-Rating Program,” Judson explained. “[This is] a rating system designed to recognize the commitment of hotels, motels, and resorts to improving their environmental performance.”

“In March,” he continued, “Parkside was awarded the Energy and Environment Award in Toronto from the Hotel Association of Canada.”

All the fancy green stuff aside, Parkside still delivers the ultimate elements for a centrally located home-away-from-home. At the forefront is the AquaTerre Spa, which is open seven days a week. The extensive spa menu includes an array of skin treatments, facials, scrubs, waxings, manicures, pedicures and a number of AquaTerre exclusives. Best of all – if you bring in a receipt from any other spa on Tuesday or Thursday, you’ll receive a 20-percent discount.

Another perk is optional membership in the City Club at Parkside. Those who sign up may enjoy complimentary access to the Parkside’s first-rate fitness center; 25-meter ozonated pool and hot tub; movie screenings in a private theater with 29 comfy leather chairs; and access to the Parkside City Club Lounge, in which they may enjoy cool cocktails, light refreshments and a stunning view of downtown Victoria.

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Of course, Parkside will take care of the “feet-up” parts of your trip, as well. The bathtubs are spacious bowls designed in classical fashion (robes are included); designer furnishings complement the maple floors to create a cozy atmosphere; and the king-size beds are outfitted with Egyptian cotton luxury linens. The private balcony attached to each room doesn’t hurt, either.

Other summer amenities at the Parkside include rooftop yoga every Tuesday evening; Ben’s Heritage Tour, which showcases the beauty of downtown Victoria every Wednesday morning; and the Boots, Boats and Beer tour that transports guests (via ferry) to the Canoe Brewpub every Thursday afternoon.

For reservations, please call (866) 941-4175. If you’d like to contact the resort, please call (00 + 1) (250) 940-1200.

Jon’s Adventures in Canada will appear every Thursday during the month of June.