Looking for a weekend getaway coming from the San Francisco area. It's our ten year anniversary and we really want something special. We aren't opposed to flying anywhere-as long as it's not too far. Considering: Cannon beach,OR, or Malahat B.C.,...we've done Vegas, San Diego..wanted something "refreshing".Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!
Leaving soon...(Sept7-9)We wish we could have planned sooner, but we have three little ones and just convinced our parents to keep them!
We love Carmel, but we are looking for something new.. ditto with Napa- We have also done Mendicino - very pretty.

Budgetwise, anything up up $500/per night is fine..hey ten years is a long time! We might be looking too late anyway...just hoping.
Thank you!

Any particular reason you're looking at the Malahat specifically? I know there is a nice resort there; perhaps that's what you were thinking about.

Another alternative you might consider is Sooke, BC - actually closer to Victoria than the Malahat is, and there's more to do, I think. Check out Sooke Harbour House. The Sooke Fall Fair is happening during the weekend that you plan to travel, although it's not a very splashy event by any means! You might want to do a day trip to Saltspring Island for the Saturday market. The weather should be pretty good, and the blackberries are growing wild all over the place and will still be available for picking during that weekend. We live in Sooke and if you need any specific info, I might be able to help.

is montreal too far?

I would love to go to Montreal-but yes too far for a weekend. Yes, we were considering the Aerie Hotel.

catalina island
cruise down to ensenada
tofino, bc

If you can add on another day or two, then Tofino, B.C. Fly SF to Vanc, then Tofino Air.

http://www.tofinoair.ca/schedule.asp

Stay at the Wickinnish Inn, and enjoy!