Small seaside towns. Beautiful ocean vistas.

The crisp sunny days of September and October are made for road trips. The good weather was making me restless, and the coastal towns of Vancouver Island were calling me. 

Sunday, at nine in the morning, I impulsively strapped my e-bike onto my car rack, tossed a few items into a suitcase, and hit the road. 

I didn't have a defined plan except to head to the island for a few days. To breathe in moist salty air, watch the waves, and eat fresh fish.

After brief stops at Parsons Fruit Stand in Keremeos to stock up on crisp Ambrosia apples and the Grand Union Cafe in Hedley for a latte, I continued driving southwest toward the coast.

Instead of driving straight through to Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, I spontaneously detoured onto Highway 7 at Hope and overnighted at the Sasquatch Inn in Harrison Mills. 

Sasquatch Inn

The inn is a favourite stop for groups of middle-aged to senior motorcyclists, enjoying a road trip in perfect fall weather. 

The pub food was good, and my bed was comfortable. 

In the morning, I retraced my route a short distance. I was the first customer of the day at the Cabin Fever Junction bakery in nearby Agassiz. Their scones are to die for! 

Cabin Fever Junction Bakery

And then the rain started. I had a reservation for a mid-afternoon ferry sailing from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, leaving plenty of time to negotiate 92 kilometers of heavy commuter traffic between the outlying cities and Metro Vancouver. Stop and go. Stop and go!

A ferry reservation between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island is always a good idea. When I traveled with my little adventure buddy, Sparky, prebooking was the best way to ensure that our car would be on the upper, open deck, and I would be allowed to remain in the car with him. Drivers on the lower decks must exit their vehicles. Only registered service or guide dogs are permitted inside the boats. There is a pet area on the top deck, but it can be unpleasant and noisy. As Sparky aged, he became more sensitive to the blast from the ships' horns and preferred to remain in the car. (I miss my travel buddy. On May 2nd, Sparky left for a new adventure somewhere in the universe.)

Ferry to Nanaimo BC

When the ship docked in Nanaimo, I turned north toward Nanoose Bay to spend a couple of days with friends whom I have known since 1981. Their charming Cairn terrier was happy to provide much-needed doggie love.

The steady rain continued to thwart my cycling plans, but in the interim, I had my bike tuned up at Big Grin Bikes in Qualicum Beach. Several bolts had rattled off over the summer. Georgia tightened, replaced, adjusted, cleaned, and polished my bike. It looked brand new. When I went to pick it up, Georgia also adjusted my handlebars into a more comfortable position. 

Ladysmith Old Town Bakery

A few days later, when I was traveling south toward Sooke, I chanced upon the delightful Old Town Bakery in the middle of a downpour. I detoured from the Island Highway into Ladysmith for a short break from driving in the rain. After hunting for a parking spot in the quaint downtown area, I dashed into the bakery. And stopped! 

The bakery was packed with customers waiting for a chance to order their favourite indulgence. As we slowly inched along toward the front of the line, I changed my mind several times. Cookies, bars, tarts, slices of pie, savory rolls, and then the famous cinnamon buns in a multitude of flavours: pumpkin pie, peanut butter, chocolate, and of course, cinnamon. It's October. I had to try the pumpkin pie flavour! So, so good. I nearly went into a food coma. 

Sooke BC

Back on the Island Highway, my next stop was the Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke. One look at the view from my room, and I added another night to my reservation. The proximity of the ocean filled my soul with peace. 

The Prestige chain was founded by Josef and Anna Huber, who arrived in Canada in 1950 and started with a small motel in the Okanagan Valley. Built in 2010, this hotel has the feel of a 1920s seaside resort. 

My oceanfront room had high ceilings, crown moldings, and interesting architectural details. The staff are fabulous. 

Galloping Goose Trail

The weather had finally cleared, and I cycled a good chunk of the Galloping Goose Trail, running from Victoria to Sooke. 

It's a well-maintained trail and an easy ride, but the dense rainforest vegetation frequently blocks the view of the ocean.

Two days later, I meandered along country roads, exploring the oceanfront communities of Sooke, East Sooke, Metchosin, and Colwood, and then I discovered Hatley Castle. 

Hatley Castle, Royal Roads University

I have lived in British Columbia most of my life (except for a dozen years in Mexico) and had never heard about this stunning 800-acre historic site. Oh, sure, I knew about the Royal Roads University, originally a military college, but I didn't know it is a national historic site open to the public. The castle was closed in preparation for a wedding, so I just walked around the perimeter. 

My next find was Fort Rodd Hill and the Fisgard lighthouse. It's another national historic site, located in close proximity to Royal Roads University. Surrounded by coastal landscapes, Fort Rodd Hill was a 19th-century artillery fortress in active duty from 1895 to 1956. Fisgard Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on Canada's west coast. Exploring the site is a great way to stretch your legs, then relax on a driftwood log, and breathe in the fresh salty air. 

Fisgard Lighthouse

Driving from Fisgard Lighthouse, I explored the twisty Prospect Lake Road, driving past lush farms and stunning homes. Moving on through Brentwood Bay and Moses Point via the West Saanichton Road, I arrived at The Waterfront Inn & Suites in Sidney, BC. 

This was the last night of my one-week poke around on Vancouver Island. The hotel is located on the boardwalk in downtown Sidney. I stayed in the newer annex, on the 2nd floor overlooking the harbour. 

View from Waterfront Inn & Suites, new annex

Nearby shops specializing in quality clothing, outdoor gear, home decor, and bed and bath accessories are fun to explore. The Riva Restaurant is in the same complex. I enjoyed a yummy meal with an oceanfront view. It was a great area to hang out on my last night before heading home to the Okanagan.

Sidney is a short distance from the Schwartz Bay ferry terminal. I caught the 7 a.m. boat, heading home. 

Cheers, Lynda