Romantic Getaway - Vancouver Island
 

Hello. Does anyone have any suggestions for a private, ocean-view lodging on Vancouver Island, perfect for lovers? Prefer a B&B or smaller inn, doesnt have to be fancy, just a good view and lots of privacy. Thanks.

The Sooke Harbor House west of Victoria has gotten many rave reviews, but at some people consider it expensive. <BR>Try searching the Canadian Forum on Sooke Harbor House, or just the term Sooke. It might dredge up an old post that describes it. The food is great and the rooms are comfortable. It is a little difficult to get there because the road is narrow and hilly. <BR> <BR>My suggestion would be to call the British Columbia travel authority at 1-800-663-6000 and request a copy of the Accommodations Guide for the current year. It has hundreds of listings. There are many in the Sooke area as well as on the islands around Victoria. <BR>I am sure other posters will fill you in on their favorite spot. I have been there 3 times, but I did not stay in a place that would meet your specifications. (WE stayed at Elk Lake B and B north of Victoria. It was a very nice place, but it had no ocean view.) <BR> <BR>Scout at the listings for Gabriola Island and Galiano Island, particularly Sunset B and B. Never been there, but it sounds like the type of place you are seeking: adult oriented, special occasion suite, near the ferry, etc. <BR>

Sooke Harbour House definitely has a web site - and is certainly worth the visit (Gourmet Magazine rates it one of the top 10 hotels in North America - food is amazing). <BR> <BR>Other suggestions are The Aerie Resort - about 30 minutes north of Victoria - part of the Relais et Chateau group. <BR> <BR>Also, the Wickininish Resort (my spelling is a bit shaky)near Tofino - on the west side of the island with lots of big crashing waves and whale watching. <BR> <BR>

You could also try the Parksville area where there are several lodges like Tigh Na Mara (modern log cabins or condo-type rooms). Not so private but there's the beach to walk and a park along part of it, bald eagles - and the Brant Festival in spring. I imagine it would be much cheaper than a place like the Aerie. <BR>

Lily, <BR> <BR>I would head for Tofino and stay at Pacific Sands, without an ounce of hesitation. They have a variety of accomodation; I love the Ocean Front Suites (they're in a 3-storey building, kitchenettes in rooms, fireplaces). <BR> <BR>The beach at Pacific Sands is by far the most beautiful beach in the Tofino area, much more beautiful than Long Beach, and it's essentially a private beach. There is also a beautiful trail out to a point that is only accesible to guests. <BR> <BR>Pacific Sands is low-key and private. Everyone I know who's been (we've been twice) *loves* it and goes back again and again. (they have a website)

Hi. I would second the idea of trying the Parksville area (Tigh Na Mara) or the west coast of the island as both are "muy romantico." If you would like any more details feel free to email me and I will assist you in any way I can. <BR> <BR> Mark <BR>

Try Taku Resort on Quadra Island. They have private beachfront A-Frame cabins. Beautiful views, lots of flowers and gardens. www.takuresort.com

I'll second (third?) the recommendation on Sooke Harbour House. Rates range from @185 to $300 US starting May 1 and go up in July and August. The place is absolutely lovely and the dining room is superb! Dick

Hi all, I'm the original poster.... <BR> <BR>Couldnt resist coming back to tell you that we stayed at three perfect places on the island last year. Point No Point, north of Sooke; Beach Acres near Parksville; Cable Cove Inn in in Tofino (our favorite). Point No Point and Cable Cove Inn rooms had hot tubs on the private deck. :-) <BR> <BR>I would highly recommend any of the places, for lovers.

Lily, <BR>For a romantic getaway on the island with ocean viewing, privacy, I reccomend the Snug Harbour Inn! It is located in Uculet and this town is right near Tofino, just south. It's a B&B and they have a website so look it up if you want a look at the rooms and get an idea. If you go out to dinner, ok the perfect restaurant that everyone flocks to is in Tofino and it's called the Raincoast Restaurant. The food is out of this world, it's not cheap but it is worth it. Some of the other places mentioned are also very nice, look them up on the net. YOu are going to have such a fabulous time! I love that area of Tofino and Uculet, lots of wildlife. In Uculet near the CIBC there is an area where the sea lions hang out, we missed that and only heard it from a friend after we were so miffed! Both towns are 15-20 mins apart, with Tofino being the busier one, Ucuelet is more low key.

The Wickanninish is amazingly romantic. It's right on the beach, each room has an ocean view, fireplace, Aveda products. The Ancient Cedars spa is onsite (wonderful aromatherapy massages). I was there for my 30th birthday & can't reccommend it highly enough. Trust me, you'll love it. Their website is www.wickinn.com

Lily: <BR> <BR>I don't know if this will help, but the pictures are pretty: The L.A. Times travel section had an article on Victoria last Sunday. The article is at this address: <BR> <BR>http://www.latimes.com/travel/otherd...nada000528.htm <BR> <BR>At the end of the article are several places to stay, along with web site addresses.