08 Apr 5 Unique Vancouver Island Luxury Getaways
Summer is right around the corner and no one in this province could be happier than me. Having lived on the Island for some five years now, I’ve come to discover and appreciate some of its lesser-known hot spots. Places like Tofino, Victoria, and the Cowichan Valley are all popular getaway destinations already, so I wanted to look outside of those and showcase a few of my other favourite places.
While the cost of the Ferries just went up again (and I imagine it will again over the next few months), I hope we still get a lot of mainlanders over for a visit. I also know a lot of people here in Victoria who plan on doing a lot more travel here on the Island this summer. For those wanting to go somewhere that will make you feel like you’ve truly gotten away, check out these 5 unique Vancouver Island luxury getaways.
1) Soule Creek Lodge
Where >> In Port Renfrew, which is a 2-hour drive from Victoria along some of the most scenic roads we have to offer in all of BC. Once you get into Port Renfrew, drive past the general store (can’t miss it) and head 1/2 km down the road until you see the Soule Creek Lodge sign on your left, and that’s Powder Main Rd which you turn on. Head up the dirt road for about 2km and you’re there, in paradise.
Why >> Being in Port Renfrew still makes you feel like you’re a million km’s away from civilization. At Soule Creek Lodge, you’re at the very edge of Canada immersed in nature with just the right amount of luxuries at your fingertips. The views from this place are breathtaking and the outdoor activity options here are endless. Not only that, but the Lodge has quickly made a name for itself on account of its fine West Coast dining experiences.
Website: SouleCreekLodge.com
Phone: 1-866-27-SOULE (277-6853)
Email: [email protected]
Location: @GoogleMaps
2) Big Beach Lodge
Where >> Located in the oceanside town of Ucluelet sits the Big Beach Lodge, majestically facing the Pacific Ocean just on the outskirts of town. We provide a link on Google Maps below that will show you how to get here if you’re planning on making the trip out.
Why >> Ucluelet has its own special feel and there is a lot to explore, see, taste and do here. It’s also an amazing place to be away from the crowds, be immersed in nature, and just get the opportunity to relax. With that being said, might I recommend this as the perfect summer family get-together meeting place? There are amazing beaches to spend the day on here, and the hiking and kayaking options are endless as well, so bring a camera and a smile.
Website: BigBeachLodge.com
Phone: 403-803-8405
Email: [email protected]
Location: @GoogleMaps
3) Sooke Harbour House
Where >> About an hour outside of Victoria, just outside of Sooke’s downtown core, sits the well-known Sooke Harbour House.
Why >> This place is the perfect weekend escape that offers two of my favorite things: hiking around East Sooke Park, and eating amazing food! The in-house restaurant is one of my favourite places to eat on the Island, and it offers an amazing view to go with your foodie experience. I would recommend leaving the kids at home and heading off for a romantic getaway here to spend your time soaking up the Sun, enjoying afternoon tea, and relaxing in the one-of-a-kind rooms they have at the Sooke Harbour House.
Website: SookeHarbourHouse.com
Phone: 800-889-9688
Email: [email protected]
Location: @GoogleMaps
4) Abigail’s Hotel
Where >> Hidden just on the outskirts of Downtown Victoria, with easy walking access to the Cook St Village, Dallas Rd as well as the rest of the scenic Downtown area.
Why >> Okay, so this hotel is technically in Victoria, but it’s in an area that manages to make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Built in a 1930’s heritage Tudor mansion, Abigail’s manages to provide a unique luxury experience that’s not offered a whole lot these days. This is a great romantic getaway spot that encourages you to not miss their delicious breakfast, something they’re quite well known for.
Website: AbigailsHotel.com
Phone: 800-561-6565
Email: [email protected]
Location: @GoogleMaps
5) The Beach Club Resort
Where >> Nestled on the sandy beaches of Parksville and right on the main strip in town; you cannot go wrong. You’ve got all you need to keep you comfortable within walking distance, including the beach which is literally at your front door.
Why >> If you like to have fun in the Sun all day long, then this is the perfect getaway. The tide goes out quite a bit here, and it is one of the few places where you can spend hours exploring all the different sand banks and shallow waters. This place is ideal for either a family getaway or a romantic one, especially in their gorgeous ocean-front penthouse suites. They also happen to have the best restaurant in town at their in-house Pacific Prime Restaurant & Lounge, which is pretty much right on the beach.
Website: BeachClubBC.com
Phone: 888-760-2008
Location: @GoogleMaps