From Victoria in the south to Tofino on the west coast of the island, including Duncan, Parksville, Courtenay Bay and Campbell River, bucolic and charming seaside villages that line the Straight of Georgia; the opportunities to enjoy luxury lodging, endless pleasures and a respite from a busy world are bountiful.  Recently PHOTOANDTRAVEL.COM explored this 300 mile long by 100 mile-wide island and sampled for our readers the luxury inns, hotels, lodges and spa resorts that lace this island venue. Suffice it to say, “We were not disappointed, nor will you be!” 

MAGNOLIA HOTEL AND SPA - VICTORIA

An upscale European boutique style hotel, the elegance of the Magnolia is subtle but well defined.  With rooms and suites that overlook Victoria’s Inner Harbor, the Magnolia Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of one of the finest and most fun cities in the Western Hemisphere.  On premises is the Spa Magnolia, a spa that offers spa treatments that are tailored to the individual.  On site is a micro-brewery that creates excellent ales, hefeweizens and lagers and Hugo’s Restaurant, an eatery with a reputation for fresh seafood, beef and pasta dishes that is the envy of all others. 

STRATHCONA PARK LODGE–  CAMPBELL RIVER

Located along the shores of beautiful Upper Campbell Lake, minutes west of Campbell River, the rustic lake side cabins found here are appointed with all of the modern conveniences. However you will not find telephones or wireless internet in the cabins or suites.  This uninterrupted experience is designed to create a welcome break, a hiatus from a busy, connected world.  Their Canoe Restaurant prepares and serves culinary delights that are not only delicious but healthy.  The mission of Strathcona Park Lodge is to offer a pristine, healthy and rejuvenating get-away, where eco-friendly adventures can be enjoyed.  Kayaking, canoeing, backcountry hiking, rock climbing and zip-wire adventures are enjoyed by all ages. Under the skillful guidance of certified professional instructors and guides, individual and group leadership courses are also available.  

KINGFISHER OCEANSIDE RESORT AND SPA – COURTENAY BAY

In addition to the plethora of spa treatments they offer – more than two dozen different kinds - the Kingfisher features their own unique Pacific Mist Hydropath that includes steam caves, pools and glacial waterfalls.  Located along the shore of Courtenay Bay, every room comes with an ocean view.  Be it a simple weekend get-away or one of the Kingfisher special Spa, Romantic or Gourmet Escapes that indulge all the human senses, the fare served in their Kingfisher Restaurant includes but is not limited to wild Chinook salmon, baked lamb shank, Fanny Bay Oysters, crusted breast of chicken, beef tenderloin and other mouth watering delights.  

FESTIVAL Inn - CHEMAINUS

The seaside village of Chemainus, replete with excellent eateries and boutique shops, draws families from all up and down the Pacific Coast.  Some simply come to enjoy the murals that adorn the walls of the old town building, murals that tell the history of the loggers, miners and immigrants that initially settled here a hundred years ago.  However, for those who come to play along the Straight of Georgia, Chemainus now offers a truly unique opportunity.  With the inauguration of the Festival Inn and in association with a professional theater group, weekend packages that include luxury accommodations, fine dining, tickets to the performing arts and breakfast can be enjoyed.  With an operating budget that is the envy of theatrical groups across North America, Here, Broadway plays like My Fair Lady and A Street Car Named Desire are continuously featured.  

OCEAN TRAILS RESORT - PARKSVILLE

Nestled among the trees, on seven lush acres above the sandy Rathtrevor Beach, one, two and three bedroom (500 sq ft – 1300 sq ft.) modern vacation condominiums offer all of the comforts of home - fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, private decks, free internet, free local calls and in-suite laundry. The resort features a seasonal outdoor pool, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, a year round hot-tub, a children’s playground and access to a sports facility.  Friendly staff, excellent service and fabulous daily, weekly and off-season long term rates explain why people keep coming back!  Great golfing, horseback riding, marine sports, 20 km of sandy beach, hiking in 20 spectacular parks and endless bliss are available here all year long!    (Above photo credit, Neil Newton).

LONG BEACH RESORT - TOFINO

From December through March, families and couples from around the world come to the northwest shore of Vancouver Island to celebrate “bad weather.”  The coastal village of Tofino is the western most point where Pacific storms make landfall before sweeping across Canada and the United States. Luxury suites and the Great Room all feature floor to ceiling glass windows with sweeping ocean views.  Giant river rock fire places in the Great Room spread a warm glow over those who remain nestled inside with a favorite beverage, dinner or one of their award winning appetizers, while outside the storms and pounding surf rage unabated.  However, between April and November a multitude of diversions – surfing, biking, kayaking, day hiking and walking on the beach - can all be enjoyed. Or, you may elect to soak in the sweeping ocean views that are found here all year long.

Happy International Traveling