Winter
Winter on Vancouver Island is defined by a mild, rainy, and green climate, with average coastal temperatures ranging between 0℃ to 12℃. It is the wettest season, featuring lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and occasional, short-lived snow at lower elevations. While coastal areas see little snow, mountainous regions receive heavy snow for winter sports. Activities include storm watching on the west coast, hiking in rain-soaked forests, and skiing/snowboarding.
Breweries
Small Gods Brewing Co.
Small Gods Brewing Co. is a family-owned brewery in Sidney, creating a sense of community through quality craft beers.
Vancouver Island Brewing
Vancouver Island Brewing offers unique craft brewing experiences and a vibrant company culture. Join us for adventure and indulge in the Vancouver Island lifestyle.
Driftwood Brewing Company
Driftwood Brewery in Victoria, BC, is dedicated to creating unique, high-quality craft beers and spirits. Explore our range of seasonal flavors and core selections.
Hornby Island Brewing Company
Hornby Island Brewing Company is an independent nano-brewery dedicated to creating high-quality artisanal beer.
Cumberland Brewing Company
Cumberland Brewing Company offers a unique experience of craft beers brewed locally, delicious food, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Join us for a taste of real beer and the essence of Cumberland.
Rusted Rake Brewing
Rusted Rake is a farm-to-tap craft brewery and gourmet eatery located in Nanoose Bay, BC. They grow their barley and produce on-site, offering a unique and local dining experience.
Spa & Wellness
O.U.R. Ecovillage
O.U.R. Ecovillage, located in Shawnigan Lake, BC, offers a unique sustainable living experience. Featuring a spa & wellness center, it is an ideal retreat for eco-conscious travelers.
The Parkside Hotel Spa
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Vancouver Island. Plan your trip today!
The Lost Faucet Sauna House
Inspired by traditional sauna culture worldwide, offering maximally hot sauna sessions, cooling experiences, and self-administered services like facials and foot soaks.
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre in Parksville offers spa, wellness, and luxurious hotel accommodations. Located at 1155 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC.
Villa Eyrie Resort
Rated as having one of the best views in Canada, Villa Eyrie Resort offers a stunning location in British Columbia. Perched atop Malahat Mountain, it provides breathtaking views of Finlayson Arm, Olympic Mountains, and Mount Baker.
Shopping
Salt Spring Arts Council
Salt Spring Arts Council fosters community vitality through the Arts on Salt Spring Island. Discover a variety of arts and cultural opportunities, including the Summer Outdoor Concert Series, Artcraft - BC's longest-running fine art and craft shop, workshops, kids camps, and artist talks.
Island Clayworks
Explore the beautiful pottery work of Anita and Neil Lawrence at Island Clayworks. Their e-commerce site offers a user-friendly experience with shipping calculations and frequent updates.
Janet Strayer Art
Janet Strayer Art showcases original contemporary paintings and mixed-media artworks in Abstract and Imaginatively Realistic styles. Explore her engaging art suitable for various moods and decors.
West End Gallery
The West End Gallery is a family-owned art gallery specializing in Canadian wall art, sculpture, and blown glass since 1975, with locations in Edmonton and Victoria.
Jan’s Glass by the Sea Gallery & Studio
Glass Art Gallery featuring unique works for sale, offering courses, workshops, and newsletter subscriptions. Explore studio pictures and 360 views.
Arts Council of Ladysmith & District/Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery
Art is here! Explore the local art scene at Ladysmith's comprehensive arts organization. Enjoy monthly arts exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, community projects, and more.
Surfing
Long Beach Lodge Resort
Discover the Long Beach Lodge Resort on Cox Bay, offering breathtaking ocean views and award-winning cuisine sourced from local, sustainable ingredients. Enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere in our Great Room and SandBar Bistro, perfect for a relaxing getaway or exciting adventure at the Surf Club Adventure Centre.
Valhalla Pure Outfitters
Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Courtenay offers a wide range of outdoor gear including hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more. They carry top brands like Arc'teryx, Salomon, and more.
Sea Otter Lodge
Sea Otter Lodge is a hand-crafted coastal lodge located on a private 7-acre island in Kyuquot, British Columbia. Offering all-inclusive kayak fishing holidays and customizable wilderness experiences, it's the perfect destination for adventurers seeking genuine hospitality and luxury in the wild.
Stormwatching
Valhalla Pure Outfitters
Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Courtenay offers a wide range of outdoor gear including hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more. They carry top brands like Arc'teryx, Salomon, and more.
Bostrom’s Bed & Breakfast
Oceanfront B&B offering amazing amenities like hot tub, sauna, fire pit, games room, and gourmet breakfasts. Enjoy stunning ocean views and outdoor activities.
Crystal Cove Beach Resort
Nestled in Tofino, Crystal Cove Beach Resort offers genuine log cabins with stunning views, hot tubs, and more. Stay in comfort or camp in style at our RV park. Family and pet-friendly near MacKenzie Beach.
Outer Shores Lodge
Outer Shores Lodge offers all-inclusive experiences with Outer Shores Expeditions for escape, relaxation, education, and connection. Enjoy a remarkable stay in Bamfield, BC.
Long Beach Lodge Resort
Discover the Long Beach Lodge Resort on Cox Bay, offering breathtaking ocean views and award-winning cuisine sourced from local, sustainable ingredients. Enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere in our Great Room and SandBar Bistro, perfect for a relaxing getaway or exciting adventure at the Surf Club Adventure Centre.
Wickaninnish Inn
The Wickaninnish Inn offers magnificent views of the open ocean against old-growth forest. Services include wildlife viewing, fishing, ocean sports, and cultural experiences.
Ski & Snowshoe
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Located in the Comox Valley, this resort offers skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, and unique stays. Escape to higher elevations for a thrilling adventure.
Valhalla Pure Outfitters
Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Courtenay offers a wide range of outdoor gear including hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more. They carry top brands like Arc'teryx, Salomon, and more.
Indigenous Experiences
Crowfoot Collective
Indigenous Owned Business in Cowichan Bay offering handcrafted goods sourced locally and globally. Specializing in fair trade items, including an all-natural Apothecary line.
Songhees Wellness Centre
Discover the Songhees Wellness Centre, a 55,000 sq.ft multi-purpose building offering various services and facilities, including sports amenities, an industrial kitchen, Elders center, and more.
Kitchens of Distinction
Chef Shirley Lang, an award-winning Cree-Metis Executive Private Chef, creates unique cuisine blending Indigenous ingredients with global flavors. She draws inspiration from her diverse culinary journey.
Access Point Transportation & Tours
Access Point Transportation & Tours is the Sunshine Coast's Local Tourism & Marine Logistics Specialists for Desolation Sound, The Salish Sea & Discovery Islands. They facilitate cargo and passenger movement along the coastal waters of British Columbia.
Salish Seaside RV Resort & Marina
Salish Seaside RV Resort & Marina is a top-rated RV resort and marina owned by the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations in Western Canada.
T-Bird E-Bike Rentals
T-Bird E-Bike Rentals offers Indigenous Experiences in Ucluelet with a large fleet of OHM 2 and VELEC 3 electric bike models.
Culture & History
Royal BC Museum
Explore the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, British Columbia, showcasing authentic artifacts, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences. Discover ancient civilizations, dinosaurs, and Indigenous traditions.
Artina’s Jewellery
Artina’s Jewellery is a family-owned business with two storefronts in Victoria and Vancouver. They specialize in Northwest Coast Indigenous and contemporary Canadian jewellery, offering a large selection of unique, ethical, locally-made pieces.
Maple Leaf Adventures
Explore the rugged beauty of the west coast with Maple Leaf Adventures, offering conservation-focused tours since 1989.
Jan’s Glass by the Sea Gallery & Studio
Glass Art Gallery featuring unique works for sale, offering courses, workshops, and newsletter subscriptions. Explore studio pictures and 360 views.
Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours
Homalco Tours offers fully guided tours around the Discovery Islands and Bute Inlet, showcasing North America’s wildlife. Enjoy whale watching, bear excursions, and cultural experiences.
Restaurants
Wild Mountain
Wild Mountain is a Slow Food restaurant serving local West Coast Canadian cuisine overlooking the Sooke harbour. Enjoy daily menu changes.
City Centre Park
City Centre Park in Langford offers a variety of recreational activities including bowling, ice arena, mini golf, and more for all ages.
Long Beach Lodge Resort
Discover the Long Beach Lodge Resort on Cox Bay, offering breathtaking ocean views and award-winning cuisine sourced from local, sustainable ingredients. Enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere in our Great Room and SandBar Bistro, perfect for a relaxing getaway or exciting adventure at the Surf Club Adventure Centre.
Tahsis Supermarket & Ocean View Restaurant
As the only general store in Tahsis, Tahsis Supermarket offers gasoline, diesel fuel, liquor, groceries, ATM, and more. Ocean View Restaurant serves Canadian and East Indian food with a view of Tahsis Inlet.
Gladstone Brewing Co.
Gladstone Brewing Company in Comox Valley offers a variety of Belgian ales, European lagers, and IPA ales, along with unique small-batch creations, fostering a sense of community.
Pirate Chips
Pirate Chips in Nanaimo is a fully licensed family restaurant, offering gluten-free options and fresh local seafood. Enjoy the famous deep-fried Nanaimo bar!
Spirits & Distilleries
Wayward Distillery
Wayward Distillery in Comox Valley on Vancouver Island is known for leading in honey-based spirits since 2014. Their sustainable honey-based spirits are perfect for cocktails.
Stillhead Distillery
Stillhead Distillery handcrafts small batch whiskies, gins, vodkas, and brandies, respecting tradition while experimenting with unique cask finishes.
Shelter Point Distillery
Established in 2011, Shelter Point Distillery crafts high-quality single malt whiskies with unique coastal influences. Explore their range of award-winning spirits.
Island Spirits Distillery
Distillery Barrells offers a unique and authentic distillery experience with a variety of spirits to enjoy.
Culinary Experiences
Long Beach Lodge Resort
Discover the Long Beach Lodge Resort on Cox Bay, offering breathtaking ocean views and award-winning cuisine sourced from local, sustainable ingredients. Enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere in our Great Room and SandBar Bistro, perfect for a relaxing getaway or exciting adventure at the Surf Club Adventure Centre.
Make Cheese with Paula
Join Paula on Gabriola Island to learn the art of cheesemaking. Discover the history, techniques, and flavors of crafting cheese in a unique experience tailored for budding cheesemakers.
The Pedaler Cycling Tours
The Pedaler is Victoria's oldest bike touring and rental company offering biking, craft brewery, and culinary experiences. Tours, food, and craft beer tours, and e-bike tours are available.
Merridale Cidery & Distillery
BC’s oldest estate cidery and first craft distillery. Sustainably crafting exceptional cider and spirits on our Cowichan Farm. Orchard-to-glass ciders, award-winning spirits, farm-to-table cuisine, seasonal events, and more.
A Taste of Victoria Food Tours
Embark on an award-winning 2-hour walking tour in Victoria, B.C. Indulge in 6-7 local tastings at iconic stops like Fan Tan Alley and Bastion Square.
House of Boateng
House of Boateng offers an award-winning brunch experience in Victoria, BC, blending culinary artistry with inviting ambiance. From classic brunch staples to innovative creations, each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients and served with hospitality.
