family travel
Vancouver Island Road Trip 7 must-see spots to add to your itinerary by Bianca Bujan
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scape the peak-season congestion of the more popular travel destinations, and opt instead for the ultimate West Coast adventure by taking a family road trip through Vancouver Island’s southern coast. From a seaside sojourn in Sooke, to arborous adventures in Parksville, exploring BC’s lush landscapes and experiencing new outdoor activities with your kids is the best way to unplug and unwind while connecting with your family. Here’s how to enjoy an epic journey through the lower half of Vancouver Island by car.
Start with seaside adventures in Sooke.
Gear up and set out on an exciting pedal-powered Hobie kayak tour with West Coast Outdoor Adventure (www.westcoastoutdoor.com), a fast and stable outrigger than can be easily propelled by riders of all ages. Glide through the crystal clear waters and enjoy sightings of the surrounding marine life, including seals, jellyfish, and sometimes whales and orcas that find their way into the Sooke Basin. Take a more expansive wildlife tour aboard a Sooke Harbour fishing boat, and sail down the Sooke Harbour and into the open waters of the neighbouring Juan de Fuca Strait. Float by a thriving ocean-surface oyster farm, spot whales, and take in the breathtaking scenery on a blissful boat journey, and get a taste of the area’s wild side by water.
Only an hour’s drive from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, Sooke is the best spot to start your round-the-island tour. Situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, and recognized as the gateway to the Pacific Marine Circle Loop, Sooke is a popular starting point - but it’s much more than just a pass-through town.
Stop in at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park during your stay in Sooke, and enjoy water play in a whole new way! This popular day-use destination is a favourite with both locals and visitors, offering clean and clear pools that puddle in the naturally-carved bedrock of the Sooke River. Watch waterfalls weave wildly down the canyon walls, and stop for a picnic before heading to your next stop. Spend your days in Sooke at sea, and get up-close-and-personal with the rugged waters and rowdy marine life that dabbles the shores of this coastal town. Stroll down the wooden pathways of the Sooke Harbour Marina and spot silly seals that slap, spit and spin, waiting to catch droppings from the fishing boats that fill the surrounding boat slips.
Where to stay in Sooke: Settle into a family-friendly suite at the Sooke Harbour Resort & Spa (www. sookeharbourmarina.ca) - a spacious and sleek oceanfront accommodation featuring fully-equipped (and nicer-than-home) kitchens, full-sized bedrooms, and communal hot tubs for end-of-day soaks. For large families or small groups that enjoy their own personal space, book the 4-bedroom, 2-level penthouse suite, which comes with a pool table, and extra space to relax.
Getting There Start with a fresh-air ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, and return through Nanaimo on the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay sailing. BC Ferries (www.bcferries.com) offers steady sailings throughout the day to suit your scheduling needs, and if you book your stay through BC Ferries Vacations (www.bcferriesvacations.com), you can enjoy some savings too! Check out the “Parksville Retreat Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort” package to save big on your southern island getaway.
28 WestCoastFamilies.com