Blog

May18

May Cocktails and Mocktails!

May Cocktails and Mocktails! Spring is in the air this month and we’ve put together a couple of fun cocktails and mocktails for the whole family!

Enjoy the season of freshness with some tasty drink recipes. So many people automatically think of Spring fresh drinks and flower blossoms and fresh new sprouts, when they think of May and Spring. So let’s jump into Spring and get the taste buds dancing with delight! May Cocktails and Mocktails!

Mint Julep

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 oz Bourbon
  • 1/2  oz of simple syrup
  • Fresh Mint Leaves
  • Crushed Ice
  • Garnish with a sprig of mint

Stir gently to incorporate all the flavours. Add ice as desired. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.

Berry Basil Lemonade

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberry, raspberry and blueberries
  • 3 oz of Lemonade
  • Fresh Basil leaves
  • Muddle berries and basil together, then top with lemonade.

Add all the ingredients except the lemonade and mix for 1-2 minutes. Pout lemonade over the berries and basil and stir, add ice if desired. Garnish with fresh basil. See the smiles for miles with this fun Mocktail. Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes and we will be sure to share! May Cocktails and Mocktails!

 

Save these recipes for when visiting us at Breakaway Cottages this 2024 season, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @Breakaway for a chance to be featured!  Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!

Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes and we will be sure to share!

Still looking to book your cottage getaway? Look at our amazing rentals and get in touch if you have any questions!

 

 

 

May11

Road Trip Excitement: Mastering the Art of Travel Bingo

Embarking on a road trip with kids doesn’t have to be just about reaching the destination; it can be an adventure in itself. One surefire way to inject fun and enthusiasm into the journey is by playing the classic game of Travel Bingo. Simple, interactive, and suitable for all ages, Travel Bingo turns the passing scenery into a thrilling scavenger hunt for the whole family.

Setting the Stage: Creating Travel Bingo Cards

The first step in this exciting road trip game is crafting personalized Travel Bingo cards. Sit down with the little travellers and brainstorm a list of items commonly spotted during a journey. From cows grazing in fields to bustling gas stations and the ever-ubiquitous blue car, the possibilities are as diverse as the roadside landscape itself.

Next, transform these items into a bingo grid. Ensuring each card has a unique combination. For a more personalized touch, let each child participate in the creation of their own card. This not only adds an element of creativity.  Also sparks their anticipation for the upcoming adventure.

Game On: Spotting and Marking Off Items

Armed with their specially crafted bingo cards.  Young adventurers eagerly peer out of the car windows, scanning the passing world for the items on their lists. The thrill of spotting a red barn or a license plate from a far-off state becomes a moment of triumph.

To keep the excitement alive, consider introducing a competitive element by rewarding the first player to complete a row or the entire card. Small prizes or the coveted title of “Road Trip Bingo Champion” can add an extra layer of motivation.

As the miles roll on, the Travel Trivia game transforms into fun and a car into an educational haven. This proves that learning can be an adventure, even on the open road.

 

So, buckle up and dive into the Travel Bingo Championship with your young travel companions. Make it a journey filled with laughter, knowledge, and the joy of exploration.

 

Fun Car Games for Kids

Healthy Road Trip Snacks Children Will Love

 

Share your favourite Road trip game when you come to visit us at Breakaway this 2024 season and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @breakawayvacations for a chance to be featured!

Are you still looking to book your cottage getaway? Take a look at our amazing rentals and you can get in touch if you have any questions! We are always happy to help you book your amazing getaway! Call us today

 

 

 

Describes drink recipe
Apr26

April Cocktails and Mocktails!

April Cocktails and Mocktails! Spring is in the air this month and we’ve put together a couple of fun cocktails and mocktails for the whole family!

Enjoy the season of freshness with some tasty drink recipes. So many people automatically think of Spring fresh drinks and flower blossoms when they think of April and Spring. So let’s jump into Spring and get the taste buds dancing with delight! April Cocktails and Mocktails!

Cherry Blossom Martini

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz of Cherry Liqueur
  • 1/2 oz Elder Flower Liqueur
  • Splash of Vermouth
  • Garnish with a Cherry Blossom

Stir gently to incorporate all the flavours. Add ice if desired. Garnish with a fresh cherry blossom.

Sparkling Peach Lemonade

Ingredients

  • 2 oz of Peach puree
  • 3 oz of Lemonade
  • Sparkling water
  • Garnish with a slice of Peach.

Add all the ingredients except the Sparkling water to a blender and mix for 1-2 minutes. Garnish peach slice. See the smiles for miles with this fun Mocktail. Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes and we will be sure to share! April Cocktails and Mocktails!

 

Save these recipes for when visiting us at Breakaway Cottages this 2024 season, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @Breakaway for a chance to be featured!  Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!

Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes and we will be sure to share!

Still looking to book your cottage getaway? Look at our amazing rentals and get in touch if you have any questions!

 

 

 

To show the park
Apr25

Little Qualicum Falls: Nature’s Symphony

Nestled amid the lush landscapes of Vancouver Island, Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts.  To explore its enchanting realms. A haven of cascading waterfalls, meandering trails, and pristine wilderness, this park offers a serene escape into the heart of nature. Lace up your hiking boots, breathe in the crisp forest air, and embark on a journey through the trails to witness the captivating beauty that awaits in this provincial gem. Little Qualicum Falls: Nature’s Symphony.

The star attractions of Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park are undoubtedly the waterfalls. As you embark on the well-maintained trails, the rhythmic sound of rushing water guides you toward the first cascade. The Lower Falls, with its dynamic flow and moss-covered rocks, provides a picturesque introduction to the park’s natural wonders. Visitors often find themselves drawn to the water’s edge, captivated by the mesmerizing dance of liquid crystal.

Continuing along the trails, the path leads to the Middle Falls, where the energy of the water intensifies, creating a cascade that invites contemplation. Here, the lush surroundings frame the falls, creating a postcard-worthy scene that showcases the harmonious marriage of water and wilderness. Photographers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking moments of quiet reflection will find the Middle Falls a captivating destination.

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

Little Qualicum Falls Park Map 

So, what are you waiting for? Load up the car and the Family and head out for an experience of a lifetime! 

Share your favourite experiences at the Little Qualicum Falls and come visit us at Breakaway this 2024 season, don’t forget to tag us in your photos @breakawayvacations for a chance to be featured!

Are you still looking to book your cottage getaway? Look at our amazing rentals and you can get in touch if you have any questions! We are always happy to help you book your amazing getaway! Call us today

 

 

 

Family road trip blog
Apr05

Travel Trivia Delight: Turning Road Trips into Learning Adventures

Embarking on a family road trip presents the perfect opportunity to infuse education with entertainment, and one engaging way to achieve this is through the exciting game of “Travel Trivia.” Whether you’re headed to a specific destination or just exploring the open road, this game adds a delightful layer of knowledge-sharing to your journey.

Imagine the scene: the car is cruising along. Eager minds are buzzing with anticipation. Instead of the typical, “Are we there yet?” scenario, you introduce a round of travel trivia. The rules are simple. You take turns asking and answering questions related to the destination or general knowledge. It’s a game that tests knowledge and transforms the car into a dynamic learning space. Travel Trivia Delight: Turning road trips into Learning adventures.

For instance, you might ask, “What famous landmark are we headed to, known for its iconic tower?” The correct answer, of course, is the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Alternatively, you could delve into general knowledge with questions like, “What is the capital city of Australia?” The joy of discovery and friendly competition ensues as family members try to outwit each other with their knowledge.

The Travel Trivia game makes the journey more enjoyable. It also imparts valuable information about the destination or the world at large. Parents can tailor questions to suit the age and interests of their children, making the trivia session both accessible and educational.

As the road unfolds before you, Travel Trivia becomes a shared adventure of learning. Lots of laughter, and friendly rivalry. So, pack your curiosity alongside your luggage, and let the road trip become a voyage of discovery. One trivia question at a time. After all, learning is not confined to classrooms. It can happen anywhere, even in the cozy confines of a family car hurtling down the highway.

As the miles roll on, the Travel Trivia game transforms into fun and a car into an educational haven. This proves that learning can be an adventure, even on the open road.

 

So, buckle up and dive into the alphabetically-ordered world of animals with your young travel companions. Make it a journey filled with laughter, knowledge, and the joy of exploration.

 

Fun Car Games for Kids

Healthy Road Trip Snacks Children Will Love

 

Share your favourite Road trip game when you come to visit us at Breakaway this 2024 season and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @breakawayvacations for a chance to be featured!

Are you still looking to book your cottage getaway? Take a look at our amazing rentals and you can get in touch if you have any questions! We are always happy to help you book your amazing getaway! Call us today

 

 

 

Shows what the recipe will make.
Mar22

March Cocktails and Mocktails!

March Cocktails and Mocktails! Spring is in the air this month and we’ve put together a couple of fun cocktails and mocktails for the whole family!

Enjoy the season of freshness with some tasty drink recipes. So many people automatically think of green drinks and shamrocks when they think of March and Spring. So let’s jump into Spring and get the taste buds dancing with delight! March cocktails and Mocktails.

Irish Mule

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Irish Whiskey
  • 1/2 oz of Lime Juice
  • Ginger Beer
  • Garnish with a slice of Lime

Stir gently to incorporate all the flavours. Add ice if desired. Garnish will a fresh slice of lime.

Minty Shamrock Shake

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Vanilla Ice cream
  • 1 cup of Milk
  • 1/2 tsp of Peppermint Extract
  • Green food colouring(Optional)
  • Whipped cream and green sprinkles to garnish.

Add all the ingredients except the whipped cream and sprinkles to a blender and mix for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with whipping cream and green sprinkles. See the smiles for miles with  March  Cocktails and Mocktails. Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes. We will be sure to share! Here is a link to some other tasty recipes to pair with your drinks March Food Recipes

Save these recipes for when visiting us at Breakaway Cottages this 2024 season, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @Breakaway for a chance to be featured!  Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!

Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes and we will be sure to share!

Still looking to book your cottage getaway? Look at our amazing rentals and get in touch if you have any questions!

 

 

 

To show the place in the description
Mar15

Cathedral Grove: A Majestic Sanctuary of Ancient Giants

A short drive from the quaint communities of Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, unveils a place of wonder and reverence: Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. This natural sanctuary is home to a congregation of ancient giants. Towering Douglas fir and red cedar trees that have witnessed centuries of changing seasons. Telling tales of resilience, survival, and the timeless beauty of the temperate rainforest. Cathedral Grove: A Majestic Sanctuary of Ancient Giants

As you enter Cathedral Grove, the air becomes infused with a palpable sense of antiquity.  Towering trees, with their colossal trunks and expansive canopies, create a living cathedral that inspires awe and admiration. The star attractions of this arboreal haven are the Douglas fir trees.  Some reaching heights of over 75 meters (250 feet), and the majestic red cedars, standing as sentinels of the ancient forest.

Walking through the grove, visitors are enveloped in a serene hush.  Broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant call of a bird. The forest floor, adorned with a carpet of ferns and moss, provides a soft underfoot experience. Inviting you to slow down and immerse yourself in the grandeur of nature’s cathedral.

One cannot help but feel a sense of humility in the presence of these ancient trees.  Some of which have stood tall for more than 800 years. Their weathered bark tells a story of resilience against the elements. Their towering height beckons visitors to crane their necks skyward, attempting to grasp the magnitude of these arboreal titans.

Cathedral Grove offers a network of well-maintained trails.  Allowing visitors to meander through the heart of this ancient forest. The trails are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, offering a gentle introduction to the wonders of the temperate rainforest. As you traverse the pathways, informational signs provide insights into the ecological significance of the forest. The forest educates visitors about the delicate balance that sustains this unique ecosystem.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts will find Cathedral Grove a treasure trove of visual delights. The play of light filtering through the dense canopy creates a mesmerizing dance of shadows and highlights.  Adding a dynamic element to the forest’s timeless beauty. The textures of the moss-covered trees and the intricate patterns in the bark provide endless opportunities for capturing the essence of this enchanted woodland.

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, Cathedral Grove serves as a vital educational resource. Fostering an understanding of the importance of preserving ancient forests. The park’s interpretive programs and guided walks offer visitors a chance to delve deeper into the ecological intricacies of the temperate rainforest and the role these ancient trees play in maintaining biodiversity.

Visiting Cathedral Grove is not just a nature excursion; it’s a pilgrimage to a living testament of time. It’s a journey that reconnects us with the natural world. Reminding us of our place within the intricate web of life. The sheer magnitude of the trees and the ancient wisdom they embody inspire a sense of awe and respect for the delicate ecosystems that sustain our planet.

Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park is a sanctuary for the soul! Inviting all who venture within its bounds to witness the majesty of ancient giants and to reflect on the importance of preserving these living monuments for generations to come. It’s a destination that transcends the ordinary, offering a glimpse into the enduring beauty of nature and the profound interconnectedness of all living things.

Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park

Activities

MacMillan Park (Cathedral Grove) Map 

So, what are you waiting for? Load up the car and the kids and head out for an experience of a lifetime! 

Share your favourite experiences at the Cathedral Grove and come visit us at Breakaway this 2024 season, don’t forget to tag us in your photos @breakawayvacations for a chance to be featured!

Are you still looking to book your cottage getaway? Look at our amazing rentals and you can get in touch if you have any questions! We are always happy to help you book your amazing getaway! Call us today

 

 

 

Family Road Trip
Mar08

Fun & Educational Car Games for Kids – Animal Alphabet Adventure

 

When embarking on a road trip with kids in tow, it can sometimes be a challenge. With a bit of creativity, it can also be a fantastic opportunity for fun and educational car games for kids.

One engaging game to keep young minds active during the journey is the “Animal Kingdom” game. This fun and educational car game for kids-Animal Adventure can change how travelling goes.

This simple yet entertaining activity involves naming animals in alphabetical order. This makes the miles fly by while expanding children’s knowledge of the animal kingdom.

Fun & Educational Car Games for Kids – Animal Alphabet Adventure. As you hit the road, the game begins with the letter ‘A.’ “A is for armadillo,” says the first participant. This sparks the journey into the enchanting world of animals. The next player eagerly chimes in with “B is for bear,”. Fun & Educational Car Games for Kids – Animal Alphabet Adventure.

This is how the alphabetical adventure unfolds. This is a fun and educational car game for everyone to take part in.

This game not only keeps children entertained. It promotes literacy skills as they associate letters with animal names. It encourages teamwork and camaraderie as the entire family collaborates. And begin to create a comprehensive list of animals from A to Z.

The challenge lies in recalling lesser-known animals for certain letters. This can also foster curiosity and expand vocabulary.

The Animal Kingdom game provides a unique opportunity for informal learning. Parents can seize the moment to share fascinating facts about each animal. This can turn the game into a mini wildlife lesson.

From the armoured armadillo to the majestic bear, each creature becomes a gateway to discovering the diversity of the animal kingdom.

Fun & Educational Car Games for Kids -Animal Alphabet Adventure can change the way travelling can be when the kids are bored.

As the miles roll on, the Animal Alphabet Adventure game transforms into fun and car into an educational haven. This proves that learning can be an adventure, even on the open road.

 

So, buckle up and dive into the alphabetically-ordered world of animals with your young travel companions. Make it a journey filled with laughter, knowledge, and the joy of exploration.

 

Fun Car Games for Kids

Healthy Road Trip Snacks Children Will Love

 

Share your favourite Road trip game when you come to visit us at Breakaway this 2024 season and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @breakawayvacations for a chance to be featured!

Are you still looking to book your cottage getaway? Take a look at our amazing rentals and you can get in touch if you have any questions! We are always happy to help you book your amazing getaway! Call us today

 

 

 

Rathtrevor Beach location Destination
Feb21

Rathtrevor Beach: A Hidden Gem on Vancouver Island  

Are you feeling stressed out and in need of a break? Consider taking a trip to Rathtevor Beach!  This stunning beach is a feast for the eyes, but it also offers a range of surprising health benefits. Here are just a few reasons why spending time at Rathtevor Beach could be just what the doctor ordered: 

  1. Come Soak Up the Sun: Rathtevor Beach is known for its warm and sunny climate. This makes it the perfect place to soak up some Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, a strong immune system, and even improved mood.

  

  1. Get Moving: Whether swimming in crystal-clear waters or taking a stroll on the sand, spending time at Rathtevor Beach is a great way to get moving. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, boost energy levels, and even improve cognitive function.

  

  1. Breathe Easy: Are you ready for some sea air at Rathtevor Beach? The sea air is rich in negative ions, which have been shown to improve mood and reduce stress levels. Breathing in this fresh sea air can also help to clear your lungs and improve respiratory function. take a breath of fresh Sea air.

  

  1. Take time to Unwind and Relax: When you hear the sound of the waves crashing against the shore has a soothing effect on the mind and body. Spending time at Rathtevor Beach can help to reduce stress levels, promote relaxation, and even improve sleep quality.

  

  1. You can Boost Your Mental Health: If You like Spending time in nature it has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. The beautiful scenery, fresh sea air, and peaceful surroundings at Rathtevor Beach can all contribute to a sense of calm and well-being.

Rathtrevor Park Map

Activities

Parksville Qualicum Beach 

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Rathtevor Beach for a rejuvenating and health-boosting getaway! 

Share your favourite way that Rathtrevor Park benefits your health and come visit us at Breakaway this 2024 season, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @breakawayvacations for a chance to be featured!

Are you still looking to book your cottage getaway? Take a look at our amazing rentals and you can get in touch if you have any questions! We are always happy to help you book your amazing getaway! Call us today

 

 

 

To showcase a recipe.
Feb15

February Cocktails and Mocktails!

Love is in the air this month and we’ve put together a couple of fun cocktails and mocktails for the whole family!

Enjoy the season of love with these fresh and tasty drink recipes. So many people automatically think of strawberries as the ‘fruit of Valentine’s Day’ – chocolate dipped, mixed in drinks, or just on their own. But we think raspberries are just as worthy and we can’t wait for you to try out these tantalizing recipes.

Raspberry Rose Fizz

Ingredients

  • 2 oz of Gin
  • 1 oz of Raspberry Liqueur
  • 1/2 oz of Rose Syrup
  • Champagne

Stir gently to incorporate all the flavours. Add ice if desired. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

Love Potion Mocktail

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Cranberry Juice
  • 2 oz of Pomegranate Juice
  • 1 oz of Raspberry Puree
  • Splash of Club Soda

Stir gently to incorporate flavours. Add ice if desired. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve.

Save these recipes for when visiting us at La Casa Cottages this 2024 season, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @lacasacottages for a chance to be featured!  Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!

Let us know which recipes were your favourites and feel free to drop us a line about any of your favourite cocktail and mocktail recipes and we will be sure to share!

Still looking to book your cottage getaway? Take a look at our amazing rentals and get in touch if you have any questions!