From wilderness to whale-watching to wedges, a cross-border trip up the coast to Vancouver Island, B.C. presents a full menu of island-time activity. Whether NorCal golf guests head North of the Border via a fast flight to Vancouver and then puddle-jump to the province’s comely capital of Victoria, or, opt for a skip to Seattle and a two-plus hour ferry ride via Victoria’s eponymous Clipper, the easy-access getaway feels a world apart.
Situated between the respective U.S. and Canada mainlands, the 12,000-square miles of Vancouver Island prove its nation’s westernmost point, not to mention Canada’s warmest climate. With more than 40 island golf courses, including a public-access dozen across the Golf Trail spreading 155 miles from Victoria to mid-island, Vancouver Island has emerged as a golf haven. With a year-round lineup of Golf Trail packages and an advantageous U.S. dollar rate exchange, both beauty and opportunity beckon.
The sister courses at Bear Mountain Resort are just 20 minutes from the activity hub of downtown Victoria, yet offer instant access to outdoor bounty; together, the twin plays prove the island’s public- access jewel. The big and burly Mountain Course from Jack and Steve Nicklaus is true championship caliber with ongoing rugged panorama and a host of elevation tests. Inversely, the Nicklaus Co.-designed Valley Course sports less yardage and enhanced shot-making demand; winding through forest and creeks, the Valley’s strategic par 4s are a true island highlight. For those seeking other nearby options, consider Olympic View and Highland Pacific GCs.
At Arbutus Ridge GC in Cobble Hill, a northbound drive 45 minutes from downtown Victoria, is a pairing of water and wine that offers a mix of ocean views across the fun, community-style play, along with nine regional wineries.
Traveling farther up-island, the retiree haven of the Parksville Qualicum Beach region presents a pair of designs from Les Furber. At Morningstar GC, focus is required to navigate an ongoing thread of tough, undulating greens coupled with a collection of short, position-heavy par 5s. Nearby, Fairwinds GC earns its rep as the “longest 6,100-yard card you’ll ever play.” A target-style front side combined with Fairwinds’ evolution to a wooded, muscular latter nine will keep players of all level in-check.
Coupled with its golf scene, Bear Mountain Resort proves a primo one-stop Stay and Play option. Offering ease-of-access to turf, tennis and trails, guests will be well-sated with lodgings at either the on-site Westin, or course-adjacent Fairways Hotel on the Mountain.
En route up-island, a suggested stop along the Trans-Canada Highway 1 is found at the Malahat Skywalk, where a nature stroll leads to the site’s inspired 820-foot-high, view-laden tower.
In Parksville, Beach Club Resort proves a summer getaway haven with an all-seasons allure. Set beside the Strait of Georgia, the sandy surrounds, patio and drink and dine perch offer postcard oceanside views.
A thesis of the island’s localized pride, Fern + Cedar Brewing Co. in Qualicum Beach stands chief among the city-centric “no chain stores” policy. A gastropub menu and ever-changing lineup of small batch craft beers (see: Four Poles Pale Ale) proves perfect for post-round.
Whether on Vancouver Island for whale-watching or angling, match turf time with fin fun at Haida Gold Fishing Adventure. Whale breaches, an aesthetic sunset cruise or a fishing expedition center on the respective Chinook and Coho Salmon spawning seasons, which are tough to beat.