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British Columbia

Jul05

Places to eat near Qualicum Beach – Coombs

Blog, British Columbia, Food and drink, Travel, Vancouver Island, Vancouver Island no responses

Picture this: You spent the entire day in the Qualicum Landing pool and hot tub splashing and playing in the sun. But your stomach begins to rumble and you are ready to eat! No worries! In under 20 minutes you can be in Coombs at one of our favourite local spots: Cuckoo Trattoria!

Cuckoo is located in the Coombs Market (famous for their goats on the roof, amongst other things!) So head over a bit early and take your time wandering the local shops before heading in for dinner.

Cuckoo boasts a large menu of delicious authentic Italian cuisine made with local West Coast ingredients. The best traditional Italian recipes we all love! From pasta, to Italian thin crust pizza, homemade desserts and more.  Head Chef Fausto Bellicini was born and raised in Italy and brought all his expertise to us locally in the heart of Coombs. You can read more about Chef Fausto here. Choose to eat in or take out, but I recommend staying and enjoying the ambiance!

A few of our favourite dishes:

Fettuccine Salmone – The Italian spin on a West Coast classic, with wild B.C. smoked salmon, garlic, capers, dill and a touch of white wine in a light cream sauce

Boscaiola – Flavours of the forest, with local wild chanterelles and a medley of seasonal mushrooms sautéed with garlic & thyme, topped with mozzarella cheese on a creamy mascarpone cheese base, drizzled with Italian truffle’s oil

Mussels – Fresh steamed mussels served Neapolitan style with garlic and white wine, or yellow curry and coconut milk

Your taste buds will be tingling the minute you walk in the door with the aroma of fresh, local, delicious, homemade Italian meals and ingredients.

Be sure to check out Cuckoo Trattoria during your stay at Qualicum Landing!

Winter activities
Dec04

6 Winter Activities in Parksville and Qualicum Beach

Blog, Events, Food and drink, Travel, Vancouver Island, Winter no responses

You don’t need to be cooped up indoors during your stay at a Breakaway Vacation property in Parksville or Qualicum Beach from November through January. Vancouver Island, while renowned for its summertime affairs, has plenty to do even when the snow starts falling. Plus, you won’t have to fight the typical warm-weather crowds! Here are a few winter activities you can look forward to in the area.

  1. New Year’s Day Annual Polar Bear Splash

Don’t mind the chill? Want a challenge? Join the Parksville community on New Years Day as residents and visitors alike participate in the Polar Bear Splash. Dash into the winter-chilled ocean at Parkville Beach to brave the cold.

  1. Sports at Oceanside Place

Oceanside Place is a sports and ice area that is perfect for the whole family. They have an active skate schedule on their website if you want to pop by. You can also catch an Oceanside Generals game, if you want to watch the local hockey team.

  1. Winter Hiking

There are plenty of hiking areas that are open year-round, like Little Qualicum Falls, Top Bridge Park, Englishman River Falls, or Rathtrevor Beach. Most are empty during the winter months even though they are open, meaning you can have the trails and scenery all to yourselves!

  1. Take a Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tour

These are available year-round and offer trips suitable for families and seniors. You can pick the theme of your tour, ranging from nature tours to wine tours. The Salmon Spawning Tour is only available in October and November, making it a winter-exclusive activity!

  1. Horne Lake Caving, Winter Edition

We love caving year-round but winter caving tours tend to be less crowded and offer a different experience due to increased levels of moisture for the season. Horne Lake Caves offers October through January bookings with limited availability, so call ahead and save your spot.

  1. Visit Grotto Spa

The Tigh-Na-Mara Grotto Spa just outside of Parkville was named one of the top spas in Canada by Spas of America in 2018! Check out the large mineral pool, the relaxation lounge, various spa treatments, and finish your night with a meal from the attached Cedars Restaurant & Longue.

Vancouver Island has many, many things to do in the winter months. Want to hear more about where to stay to access these winter activities? Reach out to the Breakaway Vacation staff, we would be happy to help.

pumpkin baking
Oct09

Easy Pumpkin Recipes for October Travel Treats

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Going away for the weekend doesn’t have to mean living off crusty gas station cookies when you get the inevitable sweet tooth. We believe that home baking can travel with you anywhere, which is why we’ve compiled this list of # pumpkin-themed baking recipes that are uber easy to make.

  1. Pumpkin Granola

Oats, pumpkin seeds, and pumpkin puree are the star or this granola dish. Plus, coconut oil, maple syrup, honey and brown sugar add all the sweetness you could possibly desire. The whole thing takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then another hour to bake, so consider making it the night before if you want a get-up-and-go treat first thing in the morning.

Full recipe on Tasty Kitchen.

  1. Baked Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin can be used in the main course, too. If you have some picky eaters in the family, try this pumpkin mac and cheese dish. No one can say no to mac and cheese! Other than the usual mac and cheese ingredients that you would expect, you will also want to pick up some pumpkin puree and ground nutmeg. This easy lunchtime treat takes just under an hour to make.

Full recipe on The Bossy Kitchen.

  1. Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins

This recipe takes only 45 minutes to complete with minor prep time of about 10 minutes. A perfect afternoon craft! You also get about 18 muffins out of it, making it perfect to share with friends or family. All you need is pumpkin spice cake mix (or similar cake mix of your choosing), pumpkin puree, cinnamon chips, and chopped pecans. Makes a perfect dessert!

Full recipe on AllRecipes.

  1. Pumpkin Smoothie

If you’re a fan of pumpkin spice lattes, you might want to try this pumpkin smoothie. Pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, apple cider, milk, maple syrup, and pumpkin-pie spice to taste. Pumpkin smoothies are great for a midday snack or even a quick breakfast. Don’t forget to pack your personal (1 serving) blender so that you can make smoothies on the go, no matter where you are. We highly recommend it.

Full recipe on Express Life.

Need somewhere to stay for a quick week/end getaway this Fall season? Contact us to learn about one of our many vacation rental properties, from cottages to larger group facilities.

 

 

fishing gulf islands
Jul23

Fishing on the Gulf Islands

Blog, British Columbia no responses

Fishing on the Gulf Islands

 

The Gulf Islands consist of over a dozen islands in the Strait of Georgia, off the coast of British Columbia’s mainland. The landscape is characterized by dramatic coastlines, beautiful beaches, and a diversity of plants and animals.

As for fishing, the Southern Gulf Islands offer some great salmon fishing year round. May and June are exceptional months for Chinook which are migrating to their home waters at this time. During the summer months and early fall you can catch all species of Salmon. Sockeye, Coho, Pinks, Chinook and Chum all pass through these waters as they migrate to their spawning grounds. The area is also very good for ground fish such as Ling cod and rock fish.

You will need a fishing license to go fishing. You can purchase your non-tidal/freshwater fishing license online through the government of B.C.’s website. In addition, you have to get a special stamp or an additional permit to fish for salmon legally. This is important not only to the continued general health of the aquatic ecosystem, but also for stocking and conservation programs. For all fishing regulations please click here. Of course, you will also need basic fishing tools such as a fishing rod, reel, bait, hook, bobber, and rig!

Tips for Salmon Fishing

 Fishing sometimes depends on luck. Still, there are some tips to fish salmon effectively.

  • Sharpen your hooks

Salmon have a very thick jawline so make sure that hook is razor sharp to increase your chances of a catch.

  • Choose the best bait for salmon

The most successful type of live bait for salmon fishing is to use roe (eggs). You can also use Flashtrap spinners, which is an artificial lure very effective to fish salmon.

  • Use a flashy item

Make sure your bait has something flashy attached to it to attract the fish. Salmon prefer low lighting conditions, so something that flashes will attract them in deeper, darker waters.

  • Use a red line

Certain colors disappear completely at deeper depths and the very first color that disappears is red. Your bait will appear more life-like if you use red line.

  • Fish in the clouds

Since salmon do prefer low lighting, overcast days are the perfect days to fish. If it is not overcast, dawn and dusk are optimal times, too. Try to avoid bright, sunny days, as the visibility of the salmon will be greater.

 

As long as you know these tips, you can have fun fishing on the Gulf Islands. Haven’t booked your accommodation yet?  Take a look at our Gulf Islands vacation homes and have a wonderful visit with us!

 

Written by Natsumi Matsumoto

Vancouver Island
Jul09

Facts about Vancouver Island

Blog, Vancouver Island no responses

Facts about Vancouver Island

If you are planning to visit, or are already on, Vancouver Island, here are some fun facts to make your stay more interesting and knowledgeable.

Fast Facts

  • Vancouver Island is in the North-Eastern Part of the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Canada.
  • It is part of the Canadian province of British Columbia. 
  • It has been the homeland to many indigenous peoples for thousands of years. 
  • Vancouver Island is the world’s 43rd largest island, Canada’s 11th largest island.
  • Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, the Island’s largest city.
  • It has the world’s largest hockey stick in Duncan.
  • It has the world’s largest totem pole in Victoria, B.C.
  • The Island has an average coldest temperature of -2 degrees Celsius in the winter and an average high of 23 degrees Celsius in the summer. It is considered to have the mildest climate in Canada.
  • Vancouver Island is 3x bigger than the island of Hawaii, 3x smaller than Ireland.

How was the island formed?

The island was formed through a combination of processes, including tectonic plate movement, volcanism, erosion and glaciation. In terms of tectonic plate movement, the island is mostly made up of volcanic and sedimentary rock which was formed offshore on the now disappeared Kula oceanic plate. Around 55 million years ago, a microplate of the Kula Plate subducted below the North American continental margin with great strain. 

The mountains in Vancouver Island have produced a rain shadow so that the west of the island receives more annual rainfall than the east of the Island. The climate is generally mild and despite variations in rainfall this has led to it being a natural temperate forest biome. Along with many fast-flowing rivers these physical factors combine to make the island a fantastic location to explore the natural wonders that these rich ecosystems have to offer. 

Vancouver Island

Interested in Vancouver Island? We have a great selection of accommodations! Check out our Tanglewood Beach Homes & Qualicum Landing Vacation Rentals and contact breakaway@lloydstravel.com or call 1-877-778-6466!

 

Written by Natsumi Matsumoto

Jun11

Cycling on Vancouver Island

Blog, Vancouver Island no responses

Cycling on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is a popular destination for cyclists to explore by bike, and with good reason! With a huge variety of trails long & short, through terrain as varied as mountain trails, sea-side rides, or gentle slow-cycle routes there is truly a path for everyone!

 

The Parksville-Qualicum Beach Links is a 13-kilometer low-traffic road route that connects the City and Town via French Creek. It’s an accessible route and you can’t miss the road signs!

Or if you want a quick ride in Parksville, you can have a 3.56km Bike Ride to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. For more routes, there is a variation of it here: https://www.mapmyride.com/ca/parksville-british-columbia/a-quick-ride-into-the-park-before-the-ra-route-41538324 

 

To enjoy the vineyards by bike just follow the Wine Route markers in the Cowichan Valley. Country roads meander through the valley and past several Vineyards and Cideries, always popular way stations! Please click on the map for more detailed information.

 

 

 

Are you interested in visiting Vancouver Island? Please visit our site to see our great selection of cottages at Tanglewood Beach Homes and Qualicum Landing or call us at 1.877.778.6466.

 

Written by Natsumi Matsumoto

Running
Apr16

Running Events on Vancouver Island

Blog, British Columbia no responses

Running Events on Vancouver Island

 

If you want to stay active when you are on Vancouver Island, there are tons of run and walk events you can participate in! 

 

Date. 

Name

Distance 

   Run Type                                

Location

5-May

Investors Group Walk For Alzheimer’s

1k, 3k

Charity Walk

Road

Victoria, Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, Courtenay, Port Alberland, BC

11-May

The Cumby

13k, 25k

Trail

Cumberland, BC

12-May

Oceanside Mother’s Day Run

5k, 10k

Road and Trail

Parksville, BC

19-May

Westwood Lake Triathlon

Varies

Triathlon

Nanaimo, BC

7,8-Jun

Cedar Ultra

Unlimited, 10k

Trail, Relay

Cedar, BC

8-Jun

Vancouver Island Trial Running Series-Nanaimo

10k, 17k

Trail

Nanaimo, BC

8-Jun

5k Foam Fest

5k

Obstacle

Nanoose Bay, BC

13-Jul

Vancouver Island Trail Running Series-Transfer Beach

9k, 19k

Trail

Ladysmith, BC

19-Oct

Vancouver Island Trail Running Series-Mt Tzouhalem

7k, 13k

Trail

Duncan, BC

7-Dec

Santa Shuffle

5k

Road Race

Victoria & Nanaimo, BC

 

These runs have their own mottos, and their courses vary from charity to competitive dynamic races; there are even obstacle course races! If you’re not afraid to get a bit messy you should definitely check out the “5k Foam Fest”, which will be held on June 8th, 2019. This race includes a line up of 22 obstacles per course, with wild themes ranging from the Chamber of Foam to the Spider Web Forest. For more information, please visit the Run Vancouver Island Website.

 

Interested in visiting Vancouver Island?  Check out our Tanglewood Beach Homes & Qualicum Landing Vacation Rentals – and you might just find the perfect place for your next vacation! Contact our reservations team by emailing breakaway@lloydstravel.com or call 1-877-778-6466 – we look forward to speaking with you.

 

Written by Natsumi Matsumoto

Jul16

Introducing Mayne Island!

Blog, British Columbia no responses

Introducing Mayne Island…

Mayne Island is in the middle of five large Gulf Islands. The Gulf Islands lie in the rain-shadow of the mountains of Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula resulting in dry summers and mild winters. The climate, nice parks, beautiful beach accesses and hiking trails makes Mayne Island a perfect destination to visit all year round.

Japanese Heritage

Japanese Settlers had a successful tomato business in a greenhouse on Mayne Island until World War 2 when all the Japanese were forced to leave the west cost. Now, in this current location to honour these early residents and their contributions you will find the amazing Japanese Gardens at Dinner Bay Park. The Japanese garden has been developed entirely by local residents and can be viewed year round. During the holidays in December you will find the garden lit up with thousands of lights, and is free to view, although donations are welcome. On Saturday mornings, May through October, enjoy local produce, baking, crafts and other goodies at Mayne Islands Farmers market. The Farmers market is found at the Agricultural Hall in Historic Miners Bay along with a gas station, post office, grocery stores, restaurants and an ATM.

 

Beautiful Scenery

If you are one for beautiful scenery, Mayne island is the perfect place to come. At Georgina Point you can find a scenic Lighthouse park. You will see spectacular views right across the strait of Georgia. This lighthouse marks the entrance to the Active Pass and was first established in 1885. This area is now a park perfect for a small stroll, or a picnic watching the harbour seals, seabirds or the boats travelling by. The Lighthouse park is also one of the best spots on the Island to view the pods of Orcas as they travel through the Active Pass almost daily. Just recently established in the Gulf Island National Park Reserve is Bennett Bay Beach and Campbell Point. There is a beautiful scenic trail to Campbell Point and at the end of the point you will find a spectacular view of Mt Baker. Bennett Bay is one of the best Sandy beaches on the island and one of the most popular places to launch small boats and kayaks.

Wonderful Beaches

Mayne Island has 14 beaches that you can access. Many of which are very popular to swim in and the others are great for exploring. Piggott Bay, Bennett Bay and Campbell Bay are great beaches for swimming, and you will seldom find it crowd on hot days. Oyster Bay, Reef Bay, Naylor Road and Seaview Road are great if you’re looking for sandstone beaches and places to look for sea life. All these beaches are a great place to relax and watch the waves come in.


Interested in a visit to Mayne Island?

We have the perfect vacation rental for you: Mayne Island 02

 

Written by Megan Harder

 

Jun05

Visit the local art galleries on Pender Island

Blog no responses

Visit the local art galleries on Pender Island…

 

Looking for more activities on Pender Island?  These art galleries can be visited no matter what the weather is doing, so be sure to check them out! 

  • Talisman Books & Gallery, 4605 Bedwell Harbour Rd

    Your 2-in-1 shop – who doesn’t love a bookstore turned gallery? Here you’ll be able to search for the latest fiction, new and used, as well as view local artists’ paintings, sculptures, glasswork!  If you’re a literary lover or an artist yourself, there’s everything to love about Talisman Books & Gallery and absolutely nothing to hate.

  • Dorset Norwich-Young Studio & Gallery, 8986 Gowlland Point Rd

    For something really local, take a trip to the Dorset Norwich-Young Studio & Gallery. Here you can see Dorset’s studio and see examples of her vibrant, colourful art work! Summer visiting hours are 11-5 (Tues – Sat) or by appointment.  Winter visiting hours are by appointment only.

  • Blood Star Gallery, 9909 Jennens Rd

    Blood Star Gallery is located right near the ocean and offers beautiful views, so is worth a visit just for that!  The Gallery features the work of two artists – Susan Taylor and Frank Ducote – and is open most days 11-4 (April to November).

There are many artists on Pender Island, so you might just stumble upon other quaint shops or galleries – these are just a few to start you off!

Looking for a vacation rental on Pender Island?  Check ours out here!

 

Written by Hannah Poaros

May01

Check out Pender Island’s Farmers’ Market!

Blog no responses

Check out Pender Island’s Farmers’ Market!

 

On Saturdays from 9.30 am to 1.00pm.  Generally from Easter to Thanksgiving, though a smaller market with less vendors does continue throughout the fall and winter.  The Farmer’s Market takes place at the Pender Islands Recreation and Agricultural Hall.  Taste the flavours of the island when you attend.  Expect to see local craftsmen and farmers, vying for your attention with offering of fresh vegetables, flowers, cheese, eggs, baked goods, condiments, arts and everything else!

 

Buy fresh produce and support the local businesses!

 

Find the market at:

Pender Islands Recreation and Agricultural Hall,

4418 Bedwell Harbour Rd.

 

Written by Hannah Poaros