If you’re searching for a cool, coastal, and close getaway, look no further than Vancouver Island.
It is home to British Columbia’s capital and full of rich history, lush rainforests, and majestic moments that await. The island stretches 460 kilometres in length and travellers can hike, bike, and stroll through vibrant communities and eco-systems. One of the most iconic Canadian views can be found at the Malahat SkyWalk. Explore the 600 metre-long elevated walkway as the smells of the Arbutus and Douglas Fir forest fill the air. It all leads to the 10-storey tower lookout with a 360-degree view of the forest and mountains.
“Malahat SkyWalk is the ideal pitstop when visitors are exploring Vancouver Island. We’re just a half-hour from both Victoria to the south, and the Cowichan Valley to the north, so it’s the perfect spot to stretch your legs, get some fresh air and connect with nature,” says Nathan Bird, Malahat SkyWalk’s general manager.
Located on the traditional territory of the Malahat Nation, visitors will learn more about the land and the Indigenous history throughout the experience.
The SkyWalk is open to all ages and offers wheelchair-friendly access.
“Because the Malahat SkyWalk is accessible, it means that everyone can enjoy the jaw-dropping views from the top,” Bird says.
“Parents pushing a stroller, or guests using a wheelchair or a walking frame – everyone can make it to the top of the Spiral Tower.
Vancouver Island’s land is not just a sight to see, it’s the source of world-renowned west coast wines.
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“The Cowichan Valley is in one of Canada’s only Mediterranean Maritime climate. Cooler grape-growing regions like Vancouver Island produce wines that have a preservation of acidity, ideal for sparkling wine production,” says Michael Abbott, Blue Grouse Estate Winery’s general manager.
Blue Grouse Estate Winery is both sustainable and family-owned, which means visitors will get unique experiences like ‘A Sparkling Day in Cowichan.’
“‘A Sparkling Day in Cowichan’ is a celebration of Cowichan wines in their wild environment,” says Blue Grouse winemaker, Stacy Hornemann.
“As a joint venture between Blue Grouse and Unsworth Vineyards, this is to elevate our current offerings while narrowing in on who we are and the beauty and abundance of the West Coast.”
It includes a flight of three sparkling wines paired up with seafood bites from the restaurant at Unsworth.
When you’re finished your wine, wind down at Nyübu.
Located just a 40-minute drive outside of Victoria in Shawnigan Lake, Nyübu is the Cowichan Valley’s first west coast Nordic spa.
It will soothe the mind, body, and soul as you step into a hydrotherapy circuit that starts in the cedar wood barrel sauna followed by a dunk in a cold plunge, ending with a fireside moment of relaxation.
The cold might be intimidating at first, but trust me, you’ll want to repeat the cycle at least two times.
“Nyübu means to go into the mountains and reconnect to the gods. It speaks to that essence of self-nurturing — to go into the mountains, getting away from it all, so you can truly be in touch with yourself,” says co-owner Megan Northey.
“We created a safe space, grounded in nature, where you can begin to unwind layers of yourself and connect with the core of who you are. And so it felt like the perfect name for this place.”
Visiting the island is very much like spending the day at Nyübu.
There’s a sense of coastal calm and community wherever you go on your local escape.
So if you’re searching for the super, natural beauty of British Columbia, this is where you’ll find it.