With the weather warming up on Vancouver Island, residents are looking to get outdoors and explore something new.
Provincial health restrictions are currently in place, meaning although we are allowed to plan trips within our health authority we are not permitted to travel outside of our health authority for non-essential reasons until as early as June 15th.
Luckily, we live on a beautiful island, abundant with places to explore and new experiences to be had. There are plenty of fun day trips to explore within the Vancouver Island health authority, to help you feel as though you are on vacation.
Without further ado, here are 5 fun day trips to enjoy on Vancouver Island:
Old Country Market- Goats on the Roof
The Old Country Market is a popular Coombs attraction, made famous by the goats who graze on the live grass roof of the market! Along with the playful goats, the Old Country Market includes the Market Bakery itself, Billy G’s Doughnuts, Billy Gruff Creamery as well as three restaurants.
Location: 2326 Alberni Highway, Coombs
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Sunday
Tour Cowichan Wineries
Did you know Vancouver Island (specifically the Cowichan Valley) is a designated BC Wine Region? The region has 13 wineries to choose from along your travels.
You don’t have to travel to the Okanagan for a wine tour, you can have your own adventure right here!
Ideas include Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard, Deol Estate Winery and Unsworth Vineyards.
Pacific Marine Circle Route
The Pacific Marine Circle Route is a 289 km South Vancouver Island loop. This perfect road trip brings you to beautiful beaches, views of the open ocean and old growth forests. The perfect mix of the best Vancouver Island has to offer.
The Pacific Marine Circle Route website allows you to explore the route, suggests stops of interest such as Sheringham Distillery, Fairy Lake, and Duncan Farmer’s Market as well as recommendations on where to stay if you want to break up your trip.
The route travels from Victoria to Sooke, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, and all the way up to Sidney.
Visit Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island is a 30 minute ferry ride from Swartz Bay, perfect for a day trip that helps you get away and feel like you’re on vacation (while still remaining in Island Health Authority). Start your day with pastries at Barb’s Bakery and Bistro, roam the Salt Spring Saturday Market, and enjoy some Salt Spring Wild Cider.
Visit Vancouver Island’s Suspension Bridges
If you’re not afraid of heights Vancouver Island is home to many suspension bridges and trestles for you to explore. Ideas include Haslam Creek Suspension Bridge, Englishman River Suspension Bridge, Elk Falls Suspension Bridge, Sooke Hills Wilderness Bridge and the Kinsol Trestle.
Don’t forget to take a selfie!
Just a reminder: As recommended by BC’s health officials, unessential travel outside one’s health authority is not recommended at this time. Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted but people are asked to use COVID-19 layers of protection and maintain physical distancing. When attending any events, please adhere to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions, including proper physical distancing and wearing a mask or face-covering in public indoor and retail spaces. If you are sick, stay home!
