John Dean Park is situated on top of Mount Newton, which overlooks the pastoral Saanich Peninsula, the Gulf Islands and the Cascade Mountains. John Dean Provincial Park is the only place left on the Saancih Peninsula where you can still walk through virgin stands of old-growth Douglas Fir forests and untouched Garry Oak meadows. You
If you have a taste for fresh seafood while in Victoria, here's some suggestions of where to buy it! The Fish Store - 1 Dallas Rd. At Fisherman's Wharf Ph: 250-383-6462 Satellite Fish Company - 2550 Beacon Ave., Sidney, BC Ph: 250-656-2642 Finest At Sea - 27 Erie St., Ph: 250-383-7760
If you're looking for a great day-trip while visiting Victoria, BC, consider a drive up the beautiful Malahat Drive to the city of Duncan, BC. The city is about 50 kilometres from both Victoria to the south and Nanaimo to the north. Although the City of Duncan has a population of just under 5000, it
Here in Victoria ... well actually most of Vancouver Island ... we're 'blessed' with an abundance of wild blackberries. They grow wild everywhere and will take over any space they can. These blackberries are not only opportunistic ... but they're vicious and will draw blood whenever they can! In fact some people believe that the
Cowichan Bay, BC is a small sea-side community about an hour north of Victoria, BC. For many thousands of years Cowichan Bay was home to First Nations people who harvested the wealth of salmon and shellfish found in its many coves, tidal flats and swiftly flowing rivers. Today, the village of Cowichan Bay is a
About 45 - 50 minutes or so north of Victoria right along Hwy #1 is the quaint and unique Whippletree Junction. It's a funky collection of businesses, restaurants and art and craft galleries that's always fun to explore. Whippletree Junction, Duncan, BC Pioneer House Restaurant at Whippletree Junction Its jumble of
Chemainus is a small town of approximately 3900 and is located about 80 kilometers north of Victoria, BC. The drive itself up to the town is on the breathtaking Malahat Drive which passes through some amazing scenery. (See our post on a day trip which includes stops along the way) Chemainus' claim to fame are
Outdoor Enthusiasts will Love Campbell River, BC Campbell River is the third largest city on Vancouver Island and is literally surrounded by nature. It sits on the 5oth parallel about a 3 hour drive north from Victoria. The waters of the Discovery Passage separate it from the mainland whose majestic mountains form a spectacular backdrop.
A Trip Back in Time at the McLean Mill National Historic Site, Port Alberni, BC. A 2 1/2 hour drive will take you to one of Vancouver Island most interesting historical sites, the McLean Mill. What makes the McLean Mill such a unique heritage treasure is that much of the original machinery and buildings have
I first happened upon this place over 20 years ago when it was just a ‘country market’ with the added appeal of having goats grazing on it’s turf roof. It was a great place to stop on the way to Port Aberni. The 'star' of the show! Since then it has evolved to
