nature

A Day Trip To Ucleulet & Tofino

/ murphjustsaying / 5 Comments


Our old friend and neighbour Tom recently celebrated his 89th birthday, and as a treat, we offered him a day trip to Ucluelet and Tofino—places he hadn’t visited in 60 years.

Yesterday was the day. The weather was iffy, but we went anyway. What we encountered was a real potpourri of weather: grey skies, drizzle, downpours and sunshine. Luckily, the sun showed up just as we got out of the car to walk to the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse in Ucluelet.We checked out the new interpretive centre near the lighthouse. Nicely done, with lots of interesting information about the various lightkeepers who served there since 1908. The conditions they endured back in the day must have been harsh.We didn’t have time to walk the Wild Pacific Trail, but we highly recommend it if you’re in the area. The sea was rough, with waves crashing along the shoreline, while several small boats were out fishing not far from the point.

Screenshot

We toured much of Ukee before setting out for Tofino, where lunch at Shelter was on the agenda. The restaurant was busy, but after a short wait we were seated at a high table with a great view of the marina and Tofino Harbour. There was plenty of activity, with fishing charter boats and Whale Watching boats coming and going.

Screenshot

Lunch was excellent, made even better by our server—a charming lady who was a Tofino-born gal with an Aussie accent! It turns out her husband, a chef at Shelter, is from Down Under. Sheila chose the Mears Island Seafood Chowder, which arrived with a huge slice of toasted sourdough. Tom and I enjoyed the Ling Cod Fish & Chips. Excellent fish with a thin, crisp batter—just the way we like it.

Screenshot

Shelter is a great restaurant, but it’s busy, so a reservation is a good idea. While we dined, a downpour was coming down outside, but it was dry when we left. Timing is everything. By the way, Shelter also have a Burger Joint in Tofino, THE SHED. Looks good too. And the famous Tacofino now has a second location right in town.

Screenshot

After a short tour around Tofino, we made a quick stop to watch some surfers at Incinerator Rock on Long Beach, followed by a brief visit to see my grandfather’s grave at the Ucluelet Cemetery. Then it was time to head for home.

A great day, and one that our friend Tom really enjoyed. Lots of driving for a one-day return trip, but well worth it.

We are so fortunate to live within driving range of so many wonderful spots on Vancouver Island.

Just saying…

One Gabriola Day

/ murphjustsaying / 4 Comments

The last time I visited Gabriola Island by car and ferry was around 1948. Since then I’ve made many visits back in my boating days but not by car.  So it seemed that is was time for a day trip to Gabriola.  

It’s a 20 minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo to the island. $28 return for car and 4 seniors. No reservations needed. Just line up. The ferries run every half hour so the waits are not long. The ferry docks at Descanso Bay and paved roads will take you all over the island. Gabriola is only 14.5 kilometres long and about 4 k wide but it is home to about 4000 people. 

We wanted to see the Malaspina Galleries where the  Sandstone has been eroded over time and cave like structures remain. A nice walk to a beautiful point where sandstone rules. Worth visiting for sure.

 

Then it was off the the SURF LODGE which has a dining room and a pub overlooking the Strait of Georgia. Pub lunch was served on the spacious deck with Tugs, Ferries, yachts and sport fishing boats passing by. Excellent Cod and chips and very good service from a delightful young lady.  The lodge has some rooms and some cottages and would be a great place for a weekend retreat. This photo is the lovely stone fireplace in the dining room.

For more info http://www.surflodgegabriola.com

 

Then it was off to Silva Bay, a spot that’s been a welcome calm harbour many times. Lots a boats in the bay and some large yachts on the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club outstation on Tugboat island.

Alas the Silva Bay pub is no longer. Burned to the ground in 2017. Enjoyed Thanksgiving there many years ago. Sad to see it gone. The Silva Bay Shipyard that operated for decades also appears to be closed. Pages Resort is also in Silva Bay and looks to have some nice accommodations.   

https://www.pagesresort.com/home

A little further along is DRUMBEG Provincial Park, right on the water at the entrance to Gabriola Pass a narrow channel separating Gabriola from Valdez Island. The park has a nice beach and two people were swimming while several others were boarding kayaks. Drumbeg is a nice spot. Maybe for a picnic.

Then we followed the road around Degnan Bay at the inside of Gabriola Pass. The road took us past farmland, the waters of False Narrows on the way to the Ferry terminal. About an hours wait and we boarded for the quick cruise back to Nanaimo. 

A really sweet one day island visit. 

Just saying…

SHADY REST REFIT

/ murphjustsaying / 3 Comments

My brother in law, Murray, called and suggested we meet for dinner. Good idea. Lets try someplace we haven’t been for a while. So last night we dined at the SHADY REST in Qualicum Beach. 

Our last visit to the SHADY was at least 2 years ago before the ownership changed and the joint had a refit. Well, we are happy to say that the SHADY REST has improved. 

The SHADY has only been around for over 100 years, the oldest business in Qualicum. It’s double sided.  Pub side and restaurant side. We chose the latter which has been nicely redecorated. Especially cool are all the large historic black & white photographs on the walls. Of course, the waterfront view is simply spectacular! 

It was busy on a Saturday night so we were wise to have made a reservation. Seated at a window table with the view, we were greeted by Catherine, our server, who was great. Friendly, charming and efficient. Fun too. 

Sheila chose the  Beef Short Rib which came with the best garlic mashed potatoes. Murray and I both opted for the special. Roast Prime Rib which included the garlic mashed and a Yorkshire. It was a very generous and delicious serving. 

The desserts looked good so two Creme Brûlées arrived quickly. The presentation was fabulous. My phone was dead so no photo. Too bad. But here is one of the desserts.

We were all very impressed with the SHADY REST’S new look and menu and we will be back for more. 

Check out their menu here. 

https://shadyrest.ca/files/documents/e9ccb9bd-e107-4342-82ef-0d5f3f88c7db.pdf

If you have never been to the Shady Rest it’s right on the water in Qualicum Beach. Lots of free parking. 📞 for reservations at 250-752-9111. Open daily from 11:00 AM.  

Great place to take your summer visitors. They might even see a cruise ship or whales. 

Just saying…