Brian Smith's Photos

This trip started with the familiar drive north to the Canadian border, a quick stop for fish and chips at White Rock. then on through Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay to catch the first of several ferries, this one to Langdale, BC, and an overnight stop at Gibsons. Dinner at Smitty’s Oyster House and some beer to follow at Tapworks Brewing Company.

The next day we continued up the Sunshine Coast, with another ferry crossing from Earl’s Cove to Saltery Bay. We continued up to Lund, before doubling back for our overnight stay at Pacific Point Market and Suites in Powell River. Highlight of the meal at the local Beach Gardens Resort and Marina was some perfectly cooked Scotch Eggs! Surprised to see them on the menu – but went down a treat! Great evening views from there too!

We headed on the next ferry the following morning, across the Straits of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Coming in at Little River. We visited a couple of parks, Goose Spit, and Elks and Royal Purple, before heading up to Campbell River and the Above Tide Motel. I little tired, but wonderful views – watched the Alaska Cruise ships headed up the inside passage. Evening dinner at Quay West Kitchen up in the town.

Continuing north the following day, we stopped of at Sayward and Port McNeill, then on to Fort Rupert and our out-of-the-way Airbnb. Heron Bay Guest House. This was an amazing location, right on the water, eagles nesting in the tree next to the house and good bird and sea-life watching. We hiked locally as well as having a trip up to Port Hardy. Such a tranquil location.

The next day we headed south again, retracing our steps, with an overnight stop in Qualicum Beach Inn before heading east over to Tofino and dinner at Wolf in the Fog.

A quiet day spent hiking around Tofino and Ucluelet, visiting Zoe’s Bakery for lunch, then pizza and beer, from Tofino Brewing Co and Basic Goodness Pizzeria in the evening.

Next day was driving again, sopping at Petroglyph Provincial Park and a look around Nanaimo, before heading to Victoria and the Coast Victoria Hotel and Marina – and meeting up with our friends from Seattle. The room had a superb view of the Victoria Harbour, and the comings and goings of the float planes – and that evening had some cool cloud formations too.

We spent most of the next day walking around the town, visiting the Legislative Assembly Building and eating at The Fish Store in the evening.

More walking the next day, around the harbour and some water taxi rides. Spinnakers Gastro Pub for lunch, then afternoon tea at Murchie’s Fine Tea and Coffee.

Egypt: The Time of the Pharaohs, was on at the Royal BC Museum, so that was on our agenda for the next day – and a fine evening meal at Zambri’s where the aim is to just use local ingredients.

Our trip finished with a final walk around the town and one more ferry crossing, as we headed back over to the Olympic Peninsula aboard the M.V. Coho to Port Angeles.