Mystic Beach, the charm of Vancouver
Yes, Canadians can be almost as fussy as Americans when it comes to their border controls and yes, the time you wait in the immigration queue to enter the country doesn't take that away from you. But once in Canada, kindness raised to the nth power begins and the possibilities multiply. We propose a tour that is sometimes gastronomic, sometimes hiking and always very picturesque around Vancouver Island, a place where nature , the charming remote villages and city amenities blend seamlessly.
START IN THE CITY. Victory it's the closest thing to a metropolis you'll find on this island and it can certainly keep the most discerning traveler entertained with a mix of boutiques, restaurants and 19th century streets to stroll through.
Parliament of British Columbia
Begin your tour with a stroll through bucolic Beacon Hill Park and, once in it, find dallas road , which borders the coast, guiding the route to a fishermen's pier. Further on, this promenade ends up becoming the belleville street and offering one of the most majestic, and photogenic, images of Victoria: the colonial-style Fairmont Empress hotel and the building of Parliament of British Columbia , dating from the end of the 19th century.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel
If the walk has made you hungry and you want fresh fish, go to Ebizo Japanese Restaurant, it is essential to order a hot cha teapot to accompany your makis . Note that, instead of abusing imitation crab to fill them, they opt for the native sockeye salmon, with a very characteristic almost reddish color. If you are more of noodles prepared in pad thai or with curry, go to Fan Tan Cafe and take the opportunity to take a tour of the small but very charming Chinatown of this city . is also the most american option Try the breakfast menu at Cecelia Creek Eatery. Nothing like eggs with cured bacon in maple syrup, toast, hash brown fries and shredded potatoes... and a little fresh fruit to compensate for so much excess.
Nothing like some eggs with bacon to recharge the batteries...
You can cut down on binge eating with a helping of consumer therapy at the open-air Market Square mall, whose shops occupy a building and its central atrium from the late 19th century. It is the ideal place to buy a flannel shirt or some ankle boots of the most hipster in stores of independent brands such as Still Life or Suasion. If you fancy something more mainstream, just around the corner you will run into lululemon , a Canadian classic specializing in clothing for running, yoga and being dressed with all the comfort in the world without sacrificing style.
The outdoor hipster market
EXCURSION ON THE BEACH . Now that you've got all your urbanite needs covered, it's time to get lost. Drive northwest to Chinese Beach and, once there, get rid of the car . There is a kilometer distance between the car park and the beach itself, but it is well worth it. The drive is lined with Douglas fir, red cedar and other native Pacific Northwest natural charms.
Second Beach
From China Beach you can walk to the very close Second Beach , to the south. Or, better yet, follow the signs to catch the Juan de Fuca East Trailhead . There are 47 kilometers of road bordering the coast. We don't suggest you do them all... Although, if these things are your thing and you've brought your tent and hiking boots, you can. There are camping areas along the way and immersion, with plant and ocean attractions, is guaranteed. For a much more modest day trip, Mystic Beach It's only two and a half kilometers away.
Fuca East Trailhead
THE PERFECT CHARMING VILLAGE . Just on the other side of the island, still in its southern zone, let yourself be captivated by Cowichan Bay . Nothing like starting the visit by renting a kayak and pedaling through the bay to the estuaries of the rivers Cowichan and Koksilah . If you don't find your way around in the water, you can always choose to take a guided tour. If you are lucky and the dates of your trip coincide, we recommend a departure on a full moon night to leave you drifting by moonlight and listening to the sounds of the environment around you.
Cherry Point, next to Cowichan
Once on the mainland again in Cowichan and as the water activities they make you hungry invariably, you can sample some native cuisine delicacies like True Grain Bread loaves. It's an artisanal bakery where they take the "direct from farm to table" ethos so seriously they bake all their breads with organic cereals grown on Vancouver Island . You're sure to find the perfect cheese and wine to accompany your picnic at Hillary's Cheese and Wine next door.
to satisfy the hunger
BY FERRY . If only to imitate the example of Sarah Linden in The Killing or, in a more glamorous way, Carry Bradshaw in Sex in the city, you have to take a ferry yes or yes. It is actually the perfect method of transportation to go from Vancouver Island to the small, nearby and very hippy islands. Pender or Salt Spring . Both serve as a place of retirement and residence for all kinds of artists and even offer tours to visit them. Also by ferry you can go to the city of Vancouver and spend all the time and attention it deserves.
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Pender Island
Mystic Beach