The Ultimate Guide to Island Adventures.
Stay and Do
March 04 2024, Mercedes-Benz Vancouver
Set off on an unforgettable road trip to the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, where awe-inspiring scenery, luxurious accommodations and rejuvenating activities beckon. Join us as we reveal several premier destinations and experiences awaiting you in Comox, Salt Spring Island, Pender Island, and Galiano Island.
Comox
Stay: Old House Hotel
Nestled between the Beaufort Mountain Range and the Strait of Georgia, the Old House Hotel in Vancouver Island’s Comox Valley offers a relaxing stay with west coast style and hospitality.
This inviting hotel features spacious, individually designed suites with kitchenettes, fireplaces and scenic views of the Courtenay River Estuary. Its central location in the Comox Valley offers the convenience of being just a few blocks from downtown Courtenay and a short drive from various adventures, including beaches, hiking and golfing.
Do: Ohspa
While staying at the Old House Hotel, indulge in a wellness retreat at Ohspa, a sanctuary for relaxation located within the hotel premises. Ohspa offers a full range of spa treatments, including manicures, pedicures, massages and facials, featuring organic and locally-sourced skin care products.
Whether you're looking for a solo escape or quality time with a loved one, Ohspa provides a calming environment that allows you to unwind.
Salt Spring Island
Stay: Harbour House Hotel
A stay at the Harbour House Hotel on Salt Spring Island offers a unique blend of comfort and elegance. This charming accommodation is designed to provide comfort and luxury, with well-appointed rooms and suites that cater to every guest's needs.
The hotel's location offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a tranquil island getaway.
Do: Solace Organic Spa
Solace Organic Spa, just 10 minutes south of Ganges, offers a unique and revitalizing forest retreat. Guests begin their journey in the tea room with house-made tea while the hydrotherapy circuit is prepared, featuring the region's largest cedar hot tub, an infrared sauna, a cedar cold plunge pool, and seating areas.
Built around a giant tree, the spa provides a serene atmosphere for forest bathing. Amenities include spa robes, towels, footwear, cucumber water, and seasonal fruit, with access to private facilities and optional enhancements like fire ambiance, a charcuterie board, and non-alcoholic bubbles.
For a romantic touch, the spa offers the Romance Journey with side-by-side massages, bubbly, and chocolates, while the Solace Sojourn provides a full day of curated wellness services for a luxurious and transformative experience.
Pender Island
Stay: Poets Cove
Renowned for its spectacular sunsets and breathtaking ocean views, Poets Cove provides an idyllic setting for a tranquil and indulgent retreat.
The resort features 22 lodge rooms, 15 cottages, and 9 villas situated along the island's waterfront, tailored to meet every guest's needs, including some pet-friendly options.
Each cottage is equipped with a private hot tub, providing the perfect way to relax after a day of adventure. The resort also boasts a range of upscale amenities and services, including a full-service spa and fine dining options.
Do: Sea Star Vineyards
While on Pender Island, a visit to Sea Star Vineyards is a must for wine enthusiasts. This picturesque vineyard is known for producing exquisite wines that express the unique terroir of Pender Island.
Visitors can enjoy casual drop-in tastings or enjoy a glass of wine and light bites on the vineyard's patio. With a focus on quality and sustainability, Sea Star Vineyards provides a delightful opportunity to savour the local flavours and enjoy the serene surroundings of the island.
Galiano Island
Stay: Bodega Ridge
Bodega Ridge on Galiano Island offers a peaceful and rejuvenating stay, allowing guests to reconnect with nature that surrounds them. The property provides two distinct experiences: the 22-acre Bodega Ridge and the waterfront Bodega Cove.
The Ridge features seven charming, self-contained log cabins with three bedrooms, a living room, full kitchen and bath, while The Cove offers one and two-bedroom Panabode cabins right across from the beach. The cabins maintain a vintage camp aesthetic on the outside, while the interiors have been carefully updated with modern amenities, including deep soaker bathtubs, modern kitchens, cedar decks, wood-burning fireplaces, and thoughtfully selected furniture.
Do: Galiano Golf Course
Golfing on Galiano Island is a must for golf enthusiasts. The Galiano Golf Course is a historic par 64 course with 18 holes, lush fairways, manicured greens, and elevated tee boxes. The unique climate of the coastal region allows for early-season access to typical summer activities, making it a great place to practice your swing before the peak season. Be sure to bring your clubs and work on your drives on this honour system course before the Mercedes Tournament happening this year.
