Wine, Dine and Explore Glorious Coastline
By Jennifer Hartley
Experience paradise on Canada’s west coast. Steeped in Indigenous history and culture, the immense Vancouver Island, roughly the size of Belgium, has many varied attractions. You can dip your toe into the welcoming vibe of the South Island region on a journey from Victoria to Ucluelet.
Victoria
Surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the sea, rainforest and mountains, British Columbia’s provincial capital is one of Canada’s gems. It has a vibrant, sophisticated, but relaxed, joie de vivre. The farm-to-table culture and influx of talented chefs have contributed to Victoria’s exploding food scene. There are more restaurants here per capita than any other city in Canada and many rank among Canada’s best:
- Marilena Café and Raw Bar has taken the city and its best restaurant lists by storm.
- Nowhere * A Restaurant is a local favourite.
- Ugly Duckling offers an award-winning, creative twist on Chinese food.
- Fancy a pint? There are at least 20 craft breweries in Victoria. Hoyne, Phillips Brewing and Malting Co and Spinnakers (Canada’s original brewpub) are popular. If non-alcoholic beer is your thing, island brewers have perfected it. Some bars offer it on tap, including Bard and Banker and Bartholomew’s, both of which are historical pubs.
- Church and State Winery, with its fabulous food and Charme de l’Île—
a sparkling wine appellation distinct to Vancouver Island—is divine.
Walk it Off
- Victoria’s Chinatown, the oldest in Canada, is home to North America’s narrowest commercial street, Fan Tan Alley.
- Beacon Hill Park is where you’ll find peacocks, fountains, trees and peacefulness.
- Dallas Road Waterfront Trail is an absolute must. Enjoy the beautiful coastline, rocky beaches and views of the Olympic Mountains.
- East Sooke Regional Park is a local favourite because it has it all: rainforest, mountain views, beaches and hiking.
- Butchart Gardens dazzles. Even if you aren’t a horticulture enthusiast, this designated National Historic Site of Canada will impress you.
Sleep
Oak Bay Beach Hotel is an idyllic enclave that’s outside the downtown core. Its mineral pool overlooks the ocean, Coast Mountains and Mount Baker. Lap up the pampering and consider splurging on an ocean-view suite. It’s worth it.
The Fairmont Empress is the grande dame of Victoria and full of history. It overlooks the city’s Inner Harbour. Afternoon tea here is legendary.
On the Road to Ucluelet
Without stopping, the four-hour drive trip to Ucluelet is stunning. But stop.
Goldstream Park, at the bottom of Mount Finlayson on the Malahat Highway, offers an easy stroll in the rain forest. If you dare, Mount Finlayson is a difficult hike but worth it.
Malahat Skywalk, a partnership between the Malahat First Nation and developers, also has a spectacular view and hikes are less physically demanding.
MacMillan Park, also known as Cathedral Grove, is a path that winds among majestic old-growth giants.
Wine is another colossal treat. Keep an eye out for the winery signs around Cowichan and Duncan. Don’t miss:
- Enrico Winery. Full of rustic charm, it also happens to be where Charme de l’Île was created.
- Unsworth Vineyards. The farm-to-table restaurant fare is delectable and there’s fabulous Charme de l’Île.
- Averill Creek Estate
- Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard
Ucluelet
Rainforest, volcanic rock, rugged coastlines, breathtaking sunsets—all this makes Ucluelet spectacular. It is also a fabulously quirky destination, where toques and wellies are high fashion and the dining spots are notable:
- Pluvio Restaurant is consistently rated one of the best restaurants in the country.
- Heartwood Kitchen delivers warm, hearty, simple sophistication.
- Currents Restaurant, at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, offers top-notch fine dining with a stunning ocean view.
Sleep
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort has many appealing amenities, including large bathrooms, rain showers, heated floors and fireplaces. From an ocean-view room, witness the mesmerizing waves crashing against volcanic rock that make Ucluelet so spectacular.
Wild Pacific Trail
A legendary eight-kilometre coastal footpath, the Wild Pacific Trail is one of Canada’s best. It boasts stunning coastal scenery, old-growth forests and easy walking. Nearby Pacific Rim National Park Reserve delivers outstanding rainforest hiking combined with long sand beaches.
Wherever you go in this magical area of Vancouver Island, you will be awed and rejuvenated.
