Families heading to Vancouver Island for a summer tour can follow this itinerary… I’ve tried it, and it works! There something fun to do every single day, and the restaurants and hotels are absolutely fantastic, and of course, family friendly! (For my recount of our trip, scroll down to my next blog: Road-tripping Across Vancouver Island):
DAY 1
Depart Horseshoe Bay on BC Ferries to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island (1 hour, 35 min. crossing) www.bcferries.com
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. or BC Ferries, is known for showcasing BC’s spectacular scenery and proud maritime history. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2010, BC Ferries began in 1960 with two vessels and two terminals, and the operation has grown into one of the largest, most sophisticated ferry transportation systems in the world. With a fleet of 36 vessels that make up to 47 ports of call along the diverse communities on the BC coast, BC Ferries is the primary provider of ferry service in the province and plays a vital role in the region’s economy. From maintaining a constant flow of goods and services, to linking families and friends, to attracting tourists to many unique and beautiful destinations, BC Ferries is a key player in the development of life on BC’s coast.
Welcome to Vancouver Island!
The Vancouver Island region is a large, sparsely populated area, encompassing Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, as well as a portion of the mainland. Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards ranked Vancouver Island second in the “Top Islands of North America” category. It has one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems: Rainforests, marshes, meadows, beaches, mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes create habitats for multitudes of wildlife species. In fact, the region is one of the world’s premier locations for whale watching, birding, as well as salmon and trout fishing.
Directions to Parksville (approximately 30 minute drive)
- Follow the signs off the Ferry directing you to Parksville.
- Continue onto Island Hwy North for about 24 km
- Take exit 46 toward Parksville
- Merge onto E Island Hwy N
- Turn right at Resort Way – destination will be on the left
- 1080 Resort Drive, Parksville
Welcome to Parksville and Qualicum Beach!
The central Vancouver Island tourism region of Qualicum Beach & Parksville BC is Canada’s best family friendly beach destination according to Better Homes and Gardens. The Globe & Mail called these Vancouver Island tourism towns “Canada’s Riviera”. Local islanders often call this charming collection of communities “Oceanside”.
In addition to the Parksville and Qualicum Beach region’s wealth of ocean beaches, sunseekers and swimmers have a number of rivers and lakes to check out and enjoy. These spots will often have a few more shade options and cooler water for those really hot days. Not surprisingly, given their central role in life here, Oceanside’s beaches host dozens of events and festivals annually. Combined with beachside restaurants, ice-cream stands, waterfront promenades and bookable rooms with a view, they’re a good reason to lay out a blanket, slather on the sun block and settle in for the duration.
Oceanside Village Resort
www.oceansidevillageresort.com
Nestled among the trees, these newly constructed fully equipped and beautifully appointed cottages offer a warm and inviting home away from home. The resort includes one, +loft, 2 bdrm and +loft units as well as an onsite Boutique, Sushi Café, Day Spa Salon, pool, hot tub and fitness room.
Next door get ready to challenge your opponent to a Mini Golf match at Riptide Lagoon. Complimentary Mini Golf passes will be supplied upon check-in.
Family Restaurant suggestions:
Lefty’s Fresh Food
Huge selection, always fresh and good value, open for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
101 -280 Island Hwy, Parksville, 250-954-3886
DAY 2
8:00 am A day to explore Parksville and Qualicum Beach
Suggested sites:
Parksville Community Lions Club Venture Land
Kids absolutely love this! Parksville Community Venture & Waterpark guarantee to entertain children for hours. The kids will enjoy the swings, zip line, tire swings, obstacle course, slides and awesome waterpark. Bring a picnic lunch or eat at the on site concession.
The Parksville Community Park is located on Corfield Road in scenic Parksville Bay.
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks & Morningstar Farm
Producing award winning artisan cheeses the old fashioned way.
Free tours – open to the public. Great samples in the farm gate store.
403 Lowry’s Rd Parksville. Off Hwy 19A turn up Lee Rd, toward Morningstar Golf Course. Follow the signs to the Golf Course then straight over the railway tracks and you can see their sign ahead. www.cheeseworks.ca
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
A number of great activities and educational programs for the whole family to enjoy. View: eagles, bears, owls, turkey vultures, falcons, hawks and much more. This is a temporary recovery facility to assist and aid animals so they can once again be a part of their natural environment.
1240 Leffler Rd, Errington . From the Island Hwy 19A N, turn left at Alberni Hwy 4A West, Turn left at Bellevue Rd, turn right at Reffels Rd http://www.northislandwildliferecoverycenter.org
Coombs Country also called Arrowsmith Coombs Country
Many attractions, activities, galleries, and spectacular Provincial Parks to discover. In particular, Englishman River Provincial Park and Little Qualicum River Provincial Park. Both are located off Hwy 19 and offer pristine hikes, swimming, site seeing, and photographic opportunities.
Tiger Lily Farm
A great place to experience farm living. They cater to all ages of animal lovers. Learn to milk a goat, feed the sheep, pet the burrow, hold the chickens, or go out on a trail ride on horseback.
Located off Hwy 19, turn onto Errington Road and follow it to 1692 Errington Rd approx. 5 minutes after the turn off. http://www.tigerlilyfarm.ca
Paradise Adventure Mini-Golf
Two mini-golf courses, video arcade, redemption games room, and ice cream parlour. Paradise has something for everyone – including an oceanfront RV Park, gift shop and is wheelchair accessible.
375 West Island Highway, Parksville www.paradisefunpark.net
Riptide Adventure Mini-Golf
An easy walk from Rathtrevor Beach and nearby resorts. Young and old alike can enjoy themselves for a fun and challenging game on this18 hole course.
Open 10 am 7 during summer months
1000 Resort Drive, Parksville http://www.riptidelagoon.com
DAY 3
11:00 am Travel from Parksville to the Comox Valley area (approx. 1 hour drive)
Directions to Courtenay
- Turn left at Island Hwy
- Merge onto Hwy 19 N (Inland Island Hwy) via the ramp to Port Alberni/Campbell River (about 24 km)
- Take exit #117 (CUMBERLAND/COURTENAY/COMOX) and right again toward COURTENAY
- Continue on COMOX VALLEY PKY (until the road ends and you have to make a left or right)
- Turn Left on CLIFFE AVE
- Turn Left on 4th Street
- Courtenay Museum will be on your right
Comox Valley
Home of Mount Washington Alpine Resort, a world class training facility for 2010 Olympic winter competitors, from more than 10 countries. Nestled between the Beaufort Mountains and the Strait of Georgia on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, the Comox Valley is a collection of rolling mountains, delicate alpine meadows, rushing rivers, pristine lakes, lush forests, fertile farms, incredible beaches and more than 40 green parks. Four major museums, live theatre, a dynamic music scene, an active artist community and year round cultural festivals and events are just a few of the many attractions the Comox Valley has to offer. Gourmet cuisine, unique shopping experiences, galleries and eclectic coffee and tea shops line the streets of the Comox Valley’s urban centers. Or head into the quiet farmland, hills and coastlines of the Comox Valley and experience the relaxed atmosphere of rural life. Courtenay is the urban centre and cultural hub of the Comox Valley and is a great base for a holiday. Fifth Street is the heart of downtown, and tempts shoppers with a delightful array of shops and galleries.
Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre
The Fossil Tour
Your adventure begins in the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Center. Here, a friendly and informative guide will give a brief lecture and show a short video about the famous discoveries made in the local area. Then, it’s off into the exhibit galleries to see the actual specimen and reconstructed cast of an Elasmosaur found in the Puntledge river. You’ll also see other vertebrate fossils, such as mosasaurs, turtles, and fish -along with the invertebrate fossils of shelled creatures that lived in the warm, shallow ocean surrounding Vancouver Island 80 million years ago.
A short 10 minute drive and an easy 5 minute forested walk brings you to one of the many beautiful fossil sites along the Puntledge river. Here, you’ll experience the thrill of hands-on discovery. After a brief discussion about the history of the site and proper collection techniques, participants will have a chance to find a fossil of their very own. A limited number of hammers, chisels and goggles will be supplied. You can keep any fossils that you find on the tour. If the species is of scientific value, you may be asked to donate the fossil to the museum collection, with the finder’s name attached.
You will require your own transportation to the fossil site.
Courtenay Museum
207 Fourth Street,
Courtenay B.C., V9N 1G7
Old House Village Hotel & Spa
Directions to Old House Village Hotel from Courtenay Museum (approx. 5 min. drive)
- Turn right onto Cliffe Ave.
- Turn left at the 17th Street Bridge (19A N/Island Hwy – signs for Comox/Campbell River)
- Turn right onto Riverside Lane
- Destination will be on your left – Old House Village Hotel and Spa
Old House Village Hotel & Spa
The Old House Village Hotel & Spa is a Luxury Boutique Hotel property in the heart of the Comox Valley. We offer 79 rooms ranging from deluxe studios, One & Two Bedroom Suites and One Penthouse Suite. We are located on the Courtenay River centrally located to all amenities like downtown shopping, Dining, championship golf courses, Mount Washington Ski resort and the Comox International Airport. www.oldhousevillage.com or www.ohspa.ca
DAY 4
11:00 am Scenic Chairlift Rides at Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Directions to Mount Washington from Old House Village Hotel (approx. 30 min. drive)
- Exit onto Cliffe Ave and turn Right (back towards the Museum)
- Turn Right at 1st Street
- Turn Left at Anderton Ave.
- Continue over the Condensory Bridge, (road becomes Condensory)
- At the 4 way stop, Turn Left onto Piercy Rd.
- Turn right at BC-19 N/Inland Island Hwy
- Turn left at the lights – Exit # 130
- Proceed onto Strathcona Parkway for 18 km
- Mount Washington Alpine Lodge is at the top of this road
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Enjoy the scenic ride on the Eagle chairlift to the summit of Mount Washington (1588 m elevation) and take in the spectacular surroundings. The panoramic view from the top includes Strathcona Provincial Park, the Comox Glacier, Mt. Arrowsmith, the Strait of Georgia and even Mt. Baker on a clear day. Once at the summit, interpretive signs identify the unique flora and fauna found in our mile high alpine as well as the more distinct landmarks you are able to view along the self guided tour on the easy bark mulch trails. You then have the opportunity to take the breathtaking chairlift ride back down or choose to hike a more rugged downhill trail to the base.
Afternoon Explore Saratoga Beach
Directions from Mount Washington to Saratoga Beach (approx. 20 min. drive)
- Take the Strathcona Parkway back down the Mountain to the Inland Island Hwy # 19
- Turn Left at the Lights heading North on Hwy # 19
- Take the Exit right toward Hamm Rd (signs for Hamm Rd/Black Creek)
- Continue straight onto Hamm Rd
- Turn left at BC-19A N/Island Hwy (signs for Black Creek/Saratoga Beach/Oyster Bay)
- Follow the signs to Saratoga Beach (there are numerous Resorts along the waterfront and parking will be indicated along the road) Miracle Beach is the large BC Provincial Campground.
At the north end of the Comox Valley, at the mouth of the Oyster River, Saratoga Beach may be the ultimate stretch of shimmering sand on the sheltered east coast of Vancouver Island. The tide along this stretch of the shoreline goes out for over a quarter of a mile, creating a hard-packed oceanfront playground perfect for children. The gently sloping beach continues for well over a mile into the calm waters of the Strait of Georgia, creating warm, shallow and safe swimming conditions, free from powerboat traffic, deep water or strong currents. Saratoga Beach is flanked by popular camping and recreational sites at Miracle Beach Provincial Park and Oyster River Regional Park.
Family Restaurant suggestions in the Comox Valley
Atlas Café
Location: 250 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay
Phone: 250-338-9838
Hours: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
For 14 years, Atlas Café has been the home of long lunches, lingering dinners and perfectly overstuffed breakfasts in the Comox Valley. It’s where friends share laughs and colleagues share ideas, and the entire community gathers to share our passion for great food.
Kinaree Thai Restaurant
526A Cumberland Road
Courtenay BC (Corner of 8th St and Fitzgerald Ave)
(250-898-8639)
Hours: Lunch (Mon. – Fri.) 11:30am – 2:00pm, Dinner (Mon. – Sat.) 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Features traditional Thai cuisine at an affordable price. It is conveniently located at the corner of 8th St and Fitzgerald Ave in Courtenay (526A Cumberland Road). It is a comfortable place for you and your family to dine in or to take out.
Day 5
Another Beach area you may want to explore before you leave the area is in Comox.
Goose Spit Beach
At low tide the sandy beach is incredible and expansive. This beach is a very popular spot for locals especially due to its close proximity to downtown Comox. Fire pits are provided for those wanting to cook of just hang out by the fire. There is ample parking but it does fill up fast, so be sure to come early.
To find the park, head south of Comox on Comox Road, then turn left on Pritchard Road and right on Balmoral to Lazo Road, beyond which Balmoral becomes Hawkins Road and leads out to the spit.
Afternoon Travel from the Comox Valley to Tofino
Note: the drive from Port Alberni to Tofino is very scenic but the road twists and turns and goes up and down around the mountains. If anyone is prone to motion sickness, they may want to sit up front and look at the road.
Driving directions from Courtenay to Tofino (approx. 4 hour drive)
- Take the Island Hwy # 19 South – back towards Parksville
- Take exit 60 to merge onto Hwy # 4 – Pacific Rim Hwy toward Coombs and Port Alberni
Kid Break – turn left towards Coombs before proceeding to Port Alberni:
The Coombs Country Market offers a huge selection of home cooked items to meet any craving. Wander the area as it covers a large territory with unique shops, galleries, studios and tourist trinkets. In the summer months the rides are open for service. Be sure to check the goats on the roof of the market, they live there throughout the summer. You may wish to grab some fresh produce and healthy snacks. Butterfly World is also close by on Hwy4A and is open from 10 am to 4 pm. In addition to butterflies, you will see Turtles, Reptiles and a new Orchid garden. www.butterflygardens.com
- Back out to Hwy # 4 West (left at lights from Hwy 4A from Coombs)
- Hwy # 4 takes you to the west coast of Vancouver Island – Tofino and Ucluelet
- Travel past Cathedral Grove (stop here on your return journey as the parking is easier on that side of the road – it’s a busy spot!)
- Travel through Port Alberni (also a spot to refuel the car and bodies if needed but be careful, the driving gets more twisty from here)
- Continue on Hwy 4 – the scenery is beautiful
- Turn right towards Tofino when you get to the T intersection (left for Ucluelet)
Welcome to Tofino!
Tofino (population about 2,000), reigns as jewel of Canada’s west coast. The stunning beauty and ecological diversity of Tofino’s location in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the source of all activities. Imagine, all in one place, fishing, kayaking, whale-watching, bear-watching, bird-watching, camping, hiking, storm-watching and First Nations cultural touring. Surfing is big here, and Tofino was named the best surf town in North America in Outside Magazine’s 2010 Editors’ Choice awards.
Tourism Tofino
Long Beach Lodge Resort
Dining suggestions include:
Long Beach Lodge Great Room
Embracing the rich west coast surroundings is our award winning cuisine that tastefully brings together farm fresh ingredients and seafood bought daily direct from the fisherman. With emphasis placed on the local and sustainable products, chef will forage the forest for mushrooms or visit the area farms, taking great care in selecting his produce, to bring a truly distinctive west coast experience to the dinner plate
Blue Heron Waterfront Restaurant at Weigh West Marine Resort, 634 Campbell Street, ph: 250-725-3277 www.weighwest.com/dining.html
An outstanding view of Browning Passage and Meares Island greet the diner – a setting framed by wall to wall windows. Sunsets are a romantic’s delight and the ever changing waterscape will make it difficult to concentrate on choosing your menu selections. The Blue Heron’s menu features fresh Dungeness crab to salmon to tender Grade A steaks.
Shelter Restaurant, 601 Campbell Street, ph: 250-725-3353 www.shelterrestaurant.com
Welcome to Shelter Restaurant. Our unique restaurant in Tofino offers the basics – food, wine, shelter – at their best. Shelter combines a sophisticated seasonal menu with a relaxed attitude and panoramic view. At Shelter restaurant we try to use local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Everything is fresh! The salmon, halibut, and the prawns are caught locally and the shellfish is from Outlandish Seafood suppliers in the Gulf Islands. The chicken is from Lyle Young in the Cowichan Valley. Our greens are grown a few kilometres from the restaurant at Douglas Brooker’s farm in Barkley Sound. Enjoy your experience.
Big Daddy’s Fish Fry, 411 Campbell Street, ph: 250-725-4415 http://www.tofinolighthouseinn.com/14901.html
If you like fish and burgers, this is the place to go. Fresh cut fries, tempura batter and tartar sauce, halibut, cod, salmon, prawns, oysters, crab cakes, popcorn shrimp, grilled salmon and halibut, coconut prawns, homemade beef burgers, chicken, fish stew, clam chowder, appys, wraps, caesar salad, $9.00 & $10.00 specials (Monday to Thursday).
Overnight – Long Beach Lodge, Tofino
DAY 6
Bear and Wildlife Watching Boat Cruise, Browning Pass Charters
Directions:
After you reach the village of Tofino, turn right at the 4-way stop on 4th
Street. Turn left on Main Street and turn right at the driveway just past
Stormlight Outfitters. Drive down the hill and park in one of the reserved
Browning Pass spaces.
Browning Pass Charter cruises are designed for comfort and leisure with an emphasis on wildlife viewing. On the Bear tour it’s not unusual to see bears feeding on the shoreline, eagles on their nests, seals, harbour porpoises, blue herons, and much more.
This vessel has a heated cabin, washroom facilities, galley, and large upper viewing deck. Historical interpretation of the area is given by the skipper, Michael White, lifetime resident of Tofino.
Afternoon Beach Combing
Long Beach, Tofino
SoBo Restaurant, SoBo means Sophisticated Bohemain. A combination of boldly imaginative, world wise dishes expertly prepared with simple, fresh, locally produced- often wild- ingredients and served in an environment that is somehow both elegant and rustic. Sophisticated Bohemian not only represents the style of culinary integrity and relaxed ambiance that Artie and Lisa Ahier have cultivated- it also reflects the personality of Tofino itself.
Overnight – Long Beach Lodge, Tofino
Day 7
Depart for Victoria (approx. 4 hour drive)
Driving directions from Tofino to Victoria
- Head east on Hwy # 4
- Continue to follow Hwy 4 E through Port Alberni
(Port Alberni is a good place to stop for Lunch – for really good donuts: The Donut Shop, 5440 Argyle Street, Port Alberni
Located at Harbour Quay, The Donut Shop not only serves donuts, but also has a variety of soups, snacks, beverages, light lunches and ice cream treats.)
After Port Alberni along Hwy 4, Remember to stop at Cathedral Grove.
Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Here visitors can stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world – some more than 800 years old.
- Merge onto Hwy # 19 South /Inland Island Hwy via the ramp to Nanaimo
- Take the Trans Canda Highway # 1 N ramp and continue to follow Hwy # 1 to Victoria
Optional stops of interest between Nanaimo and Victoria:
Wildplay Element Park – Monkido Aerial Adventure Course
Our Monkido tree courses are elevated obstacle courses set in a beautiful forest and securely suspended in the trees at 10 to 50 feet off the ground! Elements include zip lines, bridges, scramble nets and swinging logs. Our Monkido Courses’ self-managed system allow our guests to move independently through a series of surprising and progressively challenging tree to tree elements. With multiple activities in a course, children, youth and adults get to decide how far and how fast to exercise agility, endurance and confidence. In the highest courses, you ascend up to 50 feet up in the trees, discovering new levels of focus and physical skill. www.wildplay.com
Ladysmith – Nestled on the eastern shores of spectacular Vancouver Island, the Town of Ladysmith features all of the warmth and charm of small town living with a full range of services and amenities. Ladysmith is a growing community (population 7,538 in 2006) located just 88 km north of Victoria and 23 km south of Nanaimo. A 2003 National Communities In Bloom award winner, Ladysmith offers world-class outdoor recreational opportunities; a renowned trail system through picturesque forests; first-class shopping and dining in the historic downtown area; and fun-filled waterfront activities at pristine Transfer Beach. www.ladysmith.ca
Chemainus – This charming seaside village is a rare jewel on the Island. Entertaining, relaxing and tranquil, Chemainus is a favourite destination for family fun and romantic getaways alike. Chemainus brims with artistic spirit. It started in 1982, when the people of Chemainus invited internationally known artists to use the town as a canvas. Today, more than 35 murals and 13 sculptures depict the town’s history, people and future. It’s the world’s largest outdoor gallery, and each year new artworks are added. Follow the footprints for a self-guided tour of Chemainus’ colourful past, or take a tour via horse-drawn carriage or simulated steam train. www.chemainus.bc.ca
Duncan –guided (or self- guided) totem walking tour
Discover the magic of Duncan’s marvellous collection of totem poles, newly refurbished and relocated in Downtown Duncan. This collection continues to preserve the history of our local First Nations heritage. You can learn all about this ancient art through A FREE guided walking tour, available in the summer season. Meet our Guide by the Train Station on Canada Avenue, he will be waiting to take you for a very educational journey. Schedule: Full tours are offered every hour on the hour and takes about 45 minutes. Monday – Saturday from May 3rd to September 25th. May, June and September 10 am – Last full tour starting at 1 pm. http://www.downtownduncan.ca/duncan_totem_tourNEW.html
Goldstream Provincial Park
Massive trees, majestic waterfalls, a meandering river that meets the sea, flowers, birds and fascinating fish are but a few of the attractions that draw people to Goldstream Provincial Park, a mere 16 km from downtown Victoria on southern Vancouver Island. It’s a world that seems far removed from the urban adventures of British Columbia’s capital city whether the visitor is a hiker seeking inspiration from this magnificent example of the great outdoors or a naturalist looking to add to their notebook. There’s something new, different and exciting every month of the year at Goldstream Park. Goldstream’s numerous trails criss-cross through the dramatically different terrain of two distinct vegetation zones. The park is home to 600-year-old Douglas fir trees and western red cedar, mixed with western yew and hemlock, red alder, big leaf maple and black cottonwood. On the drier ridges visitors can find flowering dogwood, lodgepole pine and arbutus. The arbutus, with its thick leathery evergreen leaves, red-dish trunk and peeling bark, is Canada’s only broad-leafed evergreen and is found exclusively on Vancouver Island and on the southwest coast of British Columbia. In the spring and early summer, Goldstream overflows with colourful wildflowers, including the shade-loving western trillium and the calypso, a delicate orchid of the mossy forest glades. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/goldstream/
Welcome to Victoria!
Victoria is a unique blend of old world charm and new world experiences. Heritage architecture, colourful gardens and traditions such as afternoon tea mix with soft adventure such as kayaking, fishing, hiking, cycling and golf; culinary experiences such as gourmet farm and wine tours, microbreweries and world class dining; and arts and culture. As an island destination, Victoria offers visitors an escape from the hurried world and beams with ambience. Victoria also boasts the mildest climate in Canada and is green year-round. This combined with the wild beauty of the Pacific Ocean and old-growth rainforests set against a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains makes for a favourable lifestyle and a desirable destination to both live and visit.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Rising regally on Victoria’s spectacular Inner Harbour, The Fairmont Empress showcases the spirit and energy of Vancouver Island in grand style. With her turn-of-the-century beauty, The Fairmont Empress captures the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era, while her facilities and services meet the needs of today’s traveller.
Victoria Family Adventure Package
Bring the entire family to Victoria to experience a variety of attractions. Your package includes: two nights accommodation in a Fairmont room, full breakfast for the entire family, children’s activity book, including local kid-friendly attractions and choice of milk and cookies or pop and popcorn upon arrival.
Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. May we suggest:
Fashionable North Fort
Upper Fort Street between Douglas and Cook Streets
Fort Street has long been know as Antique Row for its many auction houses and antique shops, but the arrival of several new fashion boutiques gives North Fort a fresh feel. Studio Ryu specializes in East meets West clothing lines – such as Vivienne Tam, TSE and Thakoon – Asian origin with a relaxed West Coast feel. Next door is Not Just Pretty whose keen eye for modern yet sustainable clothing lines embodies Vancouver Island’s green lifestyle. The most difficult part of guilt free shopping here is choosing just one dress to bring home. To complete any new outfit, head over to Heart & Sole, for both funky and functional footwear options or peruse the antique shops for that perfect piece of vintage jewellery.
LoJo
Lower Johnson Street between Wharf and Government Street
The area is situated in the heart of Old Town and is characterized by colourful heritage buildings, but the shopping experiences are fresh and hip. The neighbourhood defines the new buzz word “HeritEdge.” Storefronts primarily feature locally designed fashions, but naturally-made products, cosmetics, hair salons, coffee houses and restaurants complete the mix. Shoppers will not want to miss Smoking Lily, Graciela’s, Gloss Beauty Bar and North of Wednesday to name just a few. Nearly all 37 businesses are locally owned and many by first time proprietors.
Chinatown
Fisgard Street between Government and Store Street
Victoria’s Chinatown is small, but the oldest in Canada. Once home to opium dens and gambling halls, Chinatown now mixes contemporary stores and live-work condos with traditional Asian markets and diners. Many of Victoria’s contemporary home decor and furnishings stores are found in this neighbourhood. Visitors can stroll historical Fan Tan Alley – the narrowest street in Canada – or the newly developed Dragon Alley.
Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park is Victoria’s beloved park in the heart of the city and is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2007. Victoria is well known as the City of Gardens due to its mild climate and Beacon Hill Park is a great example. The interior of the park has a Victorian landscape of manicured flowerbeds, graceful trees and lakes and bridged streams. Located in Beacon Hill Park is the world’s tallest, free-standing totem pole carved from a single log, a cricket pitch and a children’s petting zoo.
*Note: Below Beacon Hill Park lies Dallas Road and Clover Point. This is a favourite area for locals. Kids can scramble along the rock beach and drift wood while the locals walk, run, kitesurf, windsurf, hang glide and fly kites above.
Thunderbird Park
This tiny park, located behind the Royal British Columbia Museum, is home to several totem poles and a First Nations carving shed. In the summer, Native carvers showcase their traditional skills to create new totems.
Dinner May we suggest:
Noodle Box (kid portions)
818 Douglas Street, Phone: (250) 384-1314
The Noodle Box made its debut as a street food vendor in 2001, serving South-East Asian noodles in the classic, white Chinese-style boxes, enticing locals with fresh ingredients and delicious smells. A local favourite and an easy place to eat when you are on your own.
Red Fish Blue Fish
1006 Wharf Street on the Broughton Street Pier, Phone: (250) 298-6877
Red Fish Blue Fish is a canteen-style, take-out fish restaurant operated out of a steel shipping container on Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The shipping container’s reuse is part of a trend called “upcycling” which aims to reuse material without using energy to break down its components in the recycling process. This seafood taqueria serves 100% Ocean Wise sanctioned local fish including Pacific halibut, wild salmon, albacore tuna, Qualicum scallops and Fanny Bay oysters. Open for lunch and dinner.
The Pink Bicycle
1008 Blanshard Street, Phone: 250-384-1008,
A really cool place to eat really cool burgers, The Pink Bicycle serves homemade original recipe burgers using quality meats, cheeses, and produce that are sourced as close to home as possible. Quite possibly the best burger in town!
Overnight Victoria
DAY 8
Willie’s Bakery
537 Johnson Street, Victoria, Tel: (250) 381-8414 www.williesbakery.com
Fresh baked goods and fresh coffee served in a casual environment in one of Victoria’s heritage buildings. Also features a full breakfast menu. Willie’s opens at 7:30 am.
Mo:Le
554 Pandora Ave., Victoria, Tel: (250) 385-6653 www.molerestaurant.ca
Born of a longtime friendship, and a desire to serve excellent food to friends, foodies, hipsters, families, retirees and everyone in between, Mo:Le restaurant has grown from a simple eatery into an institution in just a few years. Sourced from local and organic farms, Mo:Le serves creative and lovingly prepared food, made for all tastes and eating philosophies (vegans and raw foodies included).
Lady Marmalade
608 Johnson Street, Victoria, Tel: (250) 381-2872 www.ladymarmalade.ca
Funky offering of delicious healthy food to eat in or take out. All day breakfast and lunch.
Spend the day at your leisure.
Family Friendly Victoria
For the visitor who is young, or young at heart, Victoria and Vancouver Island have plenty of fun things to see and do. From attractions and museums to zoos and recreation, there is something for kids of all ages. By nature, Victoria and Vancouver Island have miles and miles of things for families to do. Ocean waters, long sandy beaches, rainforests and wide open spaces wait to be explored. Children are encouraged to get up close and personal with local marine life, bugs, butterflies and farm animals at Victoria’s unique gardens and zoos. Museums abound on the Island and have hands-on displays and activities for their favourite little customers. Recreation centres, swimming pools, waterslides and mini-golf are always popular with the whole family and many of Victoria and Vancouver Islands festivals cater to children.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is home to several houseboats, the fresh catch of the day sold daily and some of the best fish and chips in Victoria at Barb’s Place. Ice cream too! A scenic walkway starting at the end of Belleville Street near the Laurel Point Inn follows the Inner Harbour to Fisherman’s Wharf. If you are lucky, resident wild seals may make an appearance. Feeding fish (bought from the local vendors) to the seals is a favourite with kids!
Victoria Harbour Ferry Company Ltd.
Victoria Harbour is world renowned for its bustling traffic and unique waterways. Victoria Harbour Ferry tours are equally renowned for their friendly skippers and fun, informative tours. Hop aboard one of our little ferries and see Victoria from the water. Look for our “FERRY STOP” signs at major waterfront locations around the harbour.
Visit the Victoria Bug Zoo to have a hands-on experience with some crawly creatures
Victoria Bug Zoo
Welcome to the amazing world of insects and spiders. A visit to this attraction offers visitors an excellent opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. Get up close and personal with LIVE giant walkingsticks, alien-eyed praying mantids, hairy tarantulas and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, to name a few. Discover over 40 fascinating species including Canada’s largest ant farm. The knowledgeable “bug guides” will reveal the exotic secrets of this hidden kingdom and provide a safe animal handling experience for the more adventurous. Imagine holding a tickling 400 leg millipede that stretches the length of your forearm! Bring your camera. It’s an unforgettable, hands-on adventure.
Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress
Prince and Princess Tea
When the British immigrated to Victoria, they brought the practice of afternoon tea with them and it has been an honoured tradition in Victoria ever since. The Fairmont Empress Hotel is the iconic destination to experience afternoon tea. The Fairmont Empress welcomes its young guests with a special “Prince and Princess” Tea for children. Children receive beverage of their choice, fresh fruit and whip cream, jello and their own tiered plate of sandwiches and sweets. The experience is completed with the presentation of a Prince or Princess certificate in the child’s name.
Mom & Dad will have the adult version of Afternoon Tea
Spend the rest of the day at your leisure:
[…] Road-Tripping Vancouver Island: The Ideal Family Itinerary … […]
Thanks for this Itinerary. I was finding it difficult to plan a vacation in Vancouver Island due to so many things to do and not knowing where and what. This post certainly helps!
Hi, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your website in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Other then that, amazing blog!
Thank you – so helpful! We followed your itinerary almost to the letter and had a fantastic time.
Excellent! I’ll have to do that trip again sometime.