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
Hornby Island Brewing Company
Hornby Island Brewing Company is an independent nano-brewery dedicated to creating high-quality artisanal beer.
Fern + Cedar Brewing
Enjoy craft beers brewed on-site and a modern dining experience at Fern + Cedar in Qualicum Beach. A vibrant community hub with a focus on quality and local ingredients.
Twin City Brewing
Crafting fresh, locally inspired beer in the heart of Port Alberni. Enjoy scratch-made dishes and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Red Arrow Brewing Co.
Craft brewery in the Cowichan Valley since 2015, brewing innovative and bold flavors with locally sourced ingredients.
Beacon Brewing
Small batch brewery in downtown Sidney offering locally brewed beers, cider, and more, with a family-friendly atmosphere and regular events.
Spa & Wellness
Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa
Located in a coastal forest on Vancouver Island, Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa offers stunning ocean and mountain views. Indulge in spa treatments inspired by the sea and enjoy exquisite West Coast cuisine at Ocean7 Restaurant.
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort offers unique stays in Tofino, British Columbia. Enjoy whale watching, bear watching, hiking, and spa & wellness services.
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 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.
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.
Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara
Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara in Parksville, British Columbia, is one of the largest spas in the province, offering 21 treatment rooms, a nail care room with whirlpool foot spas, a full-service hair salon, and dining at the Treetop Tapas & Grill.
Shopping
Telegraph Cove Resort
Discover one of the best kept secrets on Northern Vancouver Island. The small, historic village of Telegraph Cove Resort is the center for world-class eco-tourism activities and marine adventures, including kayaking, whale watching, grizzly bear and wildlife viewing, and sport fishing.
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.
Terrill Welch Gallery
Terrill Welch Gallery on Mayne Island offers a unique art experience connecting nature and humanity. Explore extraordinary landscapes through the eyes of talented artists.
Nanaimo Arts Council
Experience the 23rd Annual Nanaimo Artwalk, a self-guided tour featuring over 50 artists in 30 locations. Enjoy great art for sale and meet the talented artists.
Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Centre
Community museum and visitor centre showcasing the human and natural heritage of the Sooke region. Explore exhibits and programs, including a summer night market.
Surfing
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.
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.
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
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.
Wild Pacific Trail Society
Explore the stunning 9km+ trail in Ucluelet, BC, with ocean views and ancient rainforest. Wheelchair accessible at Lighthouse Loop.
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.
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.
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.
Ski & Snowshoe
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.
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.
Indigenous Experiences
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.
Inbound West Destination and Event Management
Join Explore Songhees for seasonal cultural walking and canoe tours, tasting traditionally inspired foods in Victoria Inner Harbour.
I-Hos Gallery
I-Hos Gallery, owned by K’ómoks First Nation, showcases traditional and contemporary Northwest Coast art and crafts. Explore masks, prints, jewelry, carvings, and more.
Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Discover an award-winning Indigenous-owned eco-resort offering a rare Canadian wilderness experience in Desolation Sound, British Columbia.
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.
House of Himwitsa First Nations Art Gallery
Discover the Himwitsa Native Art Gallery, showcasing fair trade First Nations artwork including rare woven baskets, masks, carvings, and jewelry.
Restaurants
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.
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.
The Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC offers a breathtaking display of floral landscapes, dining options, and attractions. Visit to experience the beauty!
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.
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.
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.
Spirits & Distilleries
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.
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.
Ampersand Distilling Co.
Explore the family-founded craft distillery in the Cowichan Valley, offering a range of spirits and merchandise.
Tofino Distillery
Experience premium, Certified Organic spirits inspired by Tofino's Coastal Rainforest. Visit our tasting room or shop online for a taste of the Pacific.
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.
Wineries
Kutatás Wines
Kutatás Wines offers a selection of premium wines from British Columbia. Order online for delivery or pick-up, with shipping options available.
Coastal Black Estate Winery
Coastal Black is a family-owned winery and cidery in Black Creek, BC, offering a variety of unique fruit wines, meads, and ciders.
Beaufort Vineyard and Estate Winery
Beaufort Winery, nestled in the Comox Valley, is Vancouver Island's first certified organic winery. With 19 acres of vines, we craft exceptional wines using sustainable practices.
Hornby Heart Vineyard
Explore our vineyard on Hornby Island, where acres of vines produce exceptional wines. Join us for a unique wine-tasting experience.
40 Knots Winery
40 Knots Winery is a family-friendly winery on Vancouver Island, crafting clean, vegan, and gluten-free wines with a commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.
Culinary Experiences
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.
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.
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.
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.
Qualicum Beach Cafe
Qualicum Beach Cafe offers an exceptional dining experience on Vancouver Island, featuring locally sourced ingredients and a blend of West Coast and Italian cuisine.
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.
