How to Get There 

The town of Sooke is less than an hour drive from Victoria, BC on Vancouver Island. To get to the island from the mainland you can take a ferry, fly into Victoria airport, or take a seaplane right into Victoria harbour. Sooke is split into two areas, the main town of Sooke, and East Sooke which is much quieter and far more remote. Sooke Point Ocean Cottage Resort is located in East Sooke, right on the ocean and beside East Sooke Regional Park. It isn’t a walkable destination so we definitely recommend either driving onto the ferry, or renting a car on the island. We drove our car over from Victoria and it was a beautiful drive! 

The Resort 

Sooke Point Ocean Cottage Resort is truly one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever stayed. The resort sits on a rock peninsula on the south tip of the island, and the ocean views are stunning. The area is very remote, incredibly quiet, and a perfect spot to relax and unwind. We spent our days watching sea lions swim right outside our balcony, and taking Theo for walks around the property. We loved that some of the cottages are pet friendly, and we highly recommend bringing your furry family members along with you! There are guest services facilities as well as a fitness centre on the property, and the resort is just steps away from many beautiful hiking trails in East Sooke Regional Park! This spot really is such a special gem on Vancouver Island, we can’t recommend it enough.

The Cottages

The resort units are all absolutely beautiful. There are four different room configurations, and all the cottages have balconies with stunning ocean views and luxury finishes. There are studio suites as well as one, two, and three bedroom cottages, so plenty of options to accommodate everyone! There are also kitchenettes or full kitchens in every unit, and we definitely recommend bringing along groceries to cook meals in your cottage as there are no restaurants on-site or nearby. We stayed in a one bedroom cottage and it was perfect for the two of us and our little pup Theo. We had plenty of space to unpack, lots of room to work, and we couldn’t get enough of the views off our balcony. I’m sure every unit on this property would be absolutely gorgeous and make for a great stay! 

East Sooke

East Sooke is a small community, southeast of the town of Sooke. It is best known for the regional park where you can hike 50km of trails and enjoy incredible views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains. There are also beautiful beaches along the coast to enjoy! It’s truly such a beautiful place to relax and be surrounded by nature. It’s very quiet and a perfect spot to get away from it all. As a same-sex couple we found the town of Sooke as well as East Sooke to be very safe and welcoming. We felt comfortable at the resort and around locals being open as a couple, and the entire area felt very warm and inclusive. We feel so grateful that the province of BC is so incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly, we’re always excited to recommend it to other queer travellers!

For more information on Sooke Point Ocean Cottage Resort, you can visit their website here.

Disclosure: Prestige Resorts generously hosted us (and Theo) for our stay in East Sooke. We had such a wonderful experience and we’re so excited to share this resort with our audience! 

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How to Get There 

Sooke is less than an hour drive from Victoria, BC on Vancouver Island. To get to the island from the mainland you can take a ferry, fly into Victoria airport, or take a seaplane right into Victoria harbour! Sooke isn’t a very walkable destination, so we recommend either driving onto the ferry, or renting a car on the island. We drove from Victoria and it’s a really beautiful drive, the island has so much natural beauty!

The Resort 

Prestige Resorts has locations all over the province, and their Sooke resort is truly stunning. The property is right on the water and it has the most beautiful ocean views! They are also pet-friendly, which means that little Theo got to come along, and that is so much fun for us. We spent our mornings cozied up in our room relaxing, and our afternoons exploring the property and taking Theo for walks by the water. The full service resort also has an on-site cafe, restaurant, bar, fitness centre, spa, and pool, so you’ll have everything you need during your visit! It’s such a perfect place to slow down and enjoy island living, we absolutely loved it. 

The Rooms

There are a variety of rooms available at the resort, including many with an ocean view and beautiful balconies! There are also options with kitchenettes and dining areas, which are perfect for longer stays. The accommodations are all beautifully decorated with luxury amenities, it’s really such a comfortable resort where you will feel right at home. We stayed in an oceanfront room with a huge balcony, and our favourite thing about it was the beautiful view of Sooke Harbour! We highly recommend this resort if you’re looking for a unique getaway on Vancouver Island, it’s a perfect escape from Victoria and a great starting point to exploring Sooke. You won’t be disappointed! 

The Town of Sooke

Sooke is a quiet, seaside community best known for its amazing nature activities. You can go whale watching, kayaking, and hiking, and explore the amazing beaches in the area. There is such an abundance of things to do any time of year, even if you’re coming for a relaxing vacation we highly recommend venturing out at least a little bit! As a same-sex couple, we found Sooke to be extremely safe. The resort and all the businesses we visited in town were very kind and welcoming. We felt completely comfortable being out and open as a lesbian couple, and the entire community felt really inclusive. BC travel destinations tend to be some of the most LGBTQ+ friendly spots in Canada, and Vancouver Island is no exception. We love taking trips in our home province and we can’t recommend it enough to other queer travellers! 

For more information on Prestige Resorts and their different locations, you can visit their website here.

Disclosure: Prestige Resorts generously hosted us (and Theo) for our stay in Sooke. We had such a wonderful experience and are so excited to share them with our audience! 

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When to Visit

Osoyoos is a very popular summer destination because of its amazing weather! It gets plenty of sunshine and is home to Osoyoos Lake, the warmest lake in the country. While summertime is a great time to visit because of this, be prepared for it to be quite busy! We actually recommend shoulder season in late spring or early fall if you’re looking to enjoy some outdoor activities but avoid the crowds. Our visit in early October was a fantastic time of year to experience everything this destination has to offer, and we already can’t wait to come back in other seasons. Whatever time of year you plan for, you’ll have a wonderful trip! 

What to Do 

There is so much to do in Osoyoos and we managed to pack a lot into our visit. It’s truly such a beautiful destination! If you’re visiting in spring, summer, or fall, you’ll definitely need to add this list to your itinerary. Here are all our recommendations for must-do activities in Osoyoos! 

Explore Downtown Osoyoos

Osoyoos has a bustling downtown community, so be sure to set aside some time to walk around and explore. There are a lot of great locally owned businesses to support, and it’s a great way to get a feel for the area! The main downtown area is very walkable and easy to get around, it’s a perfect spot to kick off your visit.

Enjoy Osoyoos Lake

Osoyoos Lake is the warmest lake in Canada, and one the major highlights of the town of Osoyoos. If you’re a water lover, there are plenty of beaches to swim at as well as plenty of water activities to do on the lake like paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, wake boarding, tubing, and more. If you don’t feel like getting in the water but you still want to enjoy the lake, be sure to take a stroll along the Osoyoos Beach Walk, or head to Haynes Point Provincial Park! 

Go for a Walk at the Desert Centre 

We highly recommend visiting the Osoyoos Desert Centre (open May-Oct) early on in your visit, to learn more about the south Okanagan’s very unique landscape. The centre opened in 1998 by the Desert Society, in an effort to conserve the region’s habitat. There’s an interpretive centre, along with a beautiful 1.5km boardwalk where you can take a self-guided tour. It’s a wonderful place for photos so be sure to bring along your camera! We spent a beautiful morning here and it was such a great opportunity to learn more about Osoyoos and Canada’s desert. The boardwalk unfortunately isn’t pet friendly, but if you do have your pup with you, you can leave them on the doggie deck where the volunteers can keep them company. They took such great care of little Theo for us! 

Visit a Family-Owned Winery

Osoyoos is part of the Okanagan’s famous wine region, so we highly recommend visiting a local vineyard. There are some really amazing family-owned wineries that offer great tours and tastings, and we definitely encourage you to support the smaller establishments! We visited Covert Farms Family Estate for their ‘Hands On Harvest Tour’ during our visit, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We toured their huge 650 acre property and learned all about the organic practices on their farm and vineyard. Our guide drove us around in a very photo worthy vintage truck, and we chatted all about sustainable farming while sipping on sparkling wine. We even got to pick some veggies from the farm’s organic veggie patch! After the tour you can enjoy a wine tasting with local charcuterie, and they even offer a plant-based option. We tasted a wonderful selection of wine, snacked on vegan cheeses, and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon here. We even got to bring little Theo along because the whole farm is dog friendly! Highly recommend this spot, and be sure to pick up some bottles to bring home with you.

Visit the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre

Another absolute must while in Osoyoos, is a day up at Spirit Ridge Resort. A visit to the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is a great way to learn more about the stories, art, and history of The Osoyoos Indian Band. The cultural centre is a perfect destination for the whole family, with an amazing interpretive centre, indoor and outdoor exhibits, lots of interactive learning stations and educational displays, as well as two multi-sensory theatre experiences. The outdoor exhibits are also connected to a trail system with 2km of walking trails, so we highly recommend setting aside a couple hours for your visit. You can explore the beautiful desert conservation area taking in the sage grasslands, pine forests, and whatever plants are in bloom depending on the season.  Also on-site at Spirit Ridge Resort is an amazing restaurant and winery.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for beautiful lakefront accommodations in Osoyoos, we can absolutely recommend Sandy Beach Suites! We stayed in a one-bedroom suite during our visit and it was the perfect home base for our trip. The hotel is right on Osoyoos Lake, with its own private beach and stunning views. It’s quiet, the staff are very friendly, and it’s in a great location for exploring the town! The suites also have full kitchens and there are laundry facilities so it would be a great choice for a longer stay. There’s also a tennis court on-site, as well as a children’s playground, BBQ’s, and free paddle boards and kayaks to take out on the lake. If you’re looking for something laid back and relaxing, this is such a great spot! Other excellent choices would be the hotel at Spirit Ridge Resort, or if you’re looking for something right in town – the Watermark Beach Resort. Other accommodations to suit any style of trip can all be found on the Destination Osoyoos website, so be sure to have a read for the full list.

Where to Eat & Drink

Osoyoos has some great cafes and restaurants to check out, and of course the many amazing wineries! Be sure to leave plenty of time on your trip for eating and drinking your way around town. For breakfast we definitely recommend Jojo’s Cafe, the neighbourhood coffee bar where you can find the locals! It’s the perfect spot to start your day before you head out sightseeing. For amazing baked goods, definitely head to The Lake Village Bakery. This family owned bakery is known for their traditional artisan sourdough, but they have plenty of tasty treats including lots of vegan options! If you need a pick-me-up during the day, we recommend checking out the cute takeaway coffee window at Junction 3 Coffeehouse, they have a great menu and cozy outdoor seating. For lunch or dinner, you should definitely head to The Bear, The Fish, The Root, & The Berry at Sprit Ridge Resort. They have an amazing wine list, a beautiful patio, and an Indigenous inspired menu with plenty of options for everyone (including plant-based!). Another fantastic dinner spot is 15 Park Bistro at the Watermark Resort. The lakeside restaurant has a great evening atmosphere, and an amazing menu focusing on local ingredients, as well as wines from family-owned vineyards in the region. Last but not least, if you’re into craft beer you definitely need to check out North Basin Brewing Co! They’re fairly new to the scene in Osoyoos, but they have a great beer list and an awesome vibe.

Lesbian Friendly

Our favourite thing about travelling locally here in BC, is how safe and inclusive every destination feels. Even in rural destinations or small towns, the locals are always welcoming and we can feel at home as a lesbian couple. Osoyoos was no exception and it’s definitely LGBTQ+ friendly! We loved seeing Pride flags in shop windows, and chatting with the local residents during our stay. Nobody batted an eye at the fact that we’re a married couple, and everyone was warm and friendly to us. We felt completely comfortable being ourselves during our trip, and we know that Destination Osoyoos is happy to welcome everyone, including queer travellers. We highly recommend putting Osoyoos on your BC travel list! 

Disclosure: Destination Osoyoos generously hosted us (and Theo) for our stay. This included our accommodations, some meals, and all activities during our stay. We were able to experience so much of what Osoyoos has to offer during our trip, and we’re so excited to share this destination with our audience! 

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How to Get There 

Halcyon Hot Springs Resort sits on the shores of Arrow Lake in Nakusp, BC. It’s about a 7 hour drive from the city of Vancouver in one direction, and about a 7 hour drive from Calgary in the other. It’s a very quiet part of the province, best accessed by car and ferry. If you’re driving from the north, you’ll take the Upper Arrow Lakes ferry, and if you’re driving from the south, you’ll take the South Arrow Lakes ferry. Both are free! It’s a beautiful drive and we highly recommend taking your time to enjoy all the sights, but you will need to plan for winter driving conditions if planning your trip in the colder months.

The Resort & Restaurant

Halcyon Hot Springs Resort sits on 35 acres of property overlooking the beautiful Monashee Mountains and Arrow Lake. The views are absolutely stunning and the resort is very quiet. They encourage all their guests to embrace the “slow life” during their visit. Having no cell reception and being surrounded by nature makes this easy, it’s a really wonderful place to relax and unwind. On site at Halcyon is an incredible restaurant called The Kingfisher, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner service to guests. The chef is able to accommodate different dietary restrictions and we were blown away by what they were able to offer for upscale plant-based dishes. If you’re looking for something really special for your vacation or a great way to celebrate a milestone or occasion during your stay, The Kingfisher Restaurant also offers private dining experiences. You can enjoy an intimate meal with incredible food and beautiful water views, all to yourself!

The Spa & Hot Springs

Also on-site is The Spa at Halcyon, offering a variety of massage treatments that are the perfect way to treat yourself. And of course there are the amazing hot springs pools filled with lithia-rich mineral waters! Every stay at the resort includes hot springs access, so you can relax in the healing waters as much as you’d like. There are two pool decks, the upper deck has a hot pool, a warm pool, and a cold plunge pool, while the lower deck has a seasonal mineral pool. The hot springs are wonderful to enjoy both in the daytime and in the evening, and there is some ‘adults only’ time most nights. If you’re looking for a private experience, you can also book a private time in the hot springs pools just for you and a small group to enjoy on your own. 

The Accommodations 

The thing we loved most about Halcyon, is that there are no hotel rooms at the resort. All of the accommodations are private cottages and cabins, with everything spread out all over their large property. Every guest gets to have a private spot all to themselves during their visit! There are options for singles, couples, families, and large groups, including everything from more rustic cabins, to new luxury cottages. They also have two units that are wheelchair accessible, and seven units that are pet friendly. We stayed in a pet friendly, one bedroom chalet and it was perfect for us. We love getting to bring little Theo along on our adventures and he really enjoyed being out in nature here. We loved how private all the accommodations are, and that everyone has a quiet place to enjoy themselves during their stay. Our cabin was just a short walk away from the restaurant and hot springs pools, as well as just a quick stroll down to the beach. We highly recommend taking some time to explore the property during your stay, there are beautiful walking trails and quiet places to sit and enjoy being surrounded by nature. 

Lesbian Friendly 

One of the best parts about travelling locally in BC, is that we always feel safe and comfortable as a same-sex couple, even in the most remote areas. This sleepy resort hours away from any big city, was just as welcoming as anywhere else in the province. The staff was wonderful, the space was inclusive, and we felt completely comfortable being ourselves. The resort feels strongly about welcoming everyone, and we feel confident recommending this spot to other LGBTQ+ travellers as a great place to visit! 

For more information on Halcyon Hot Springs, you can visit their website here.

Disclosure: Halycon Hot Springs generously hosted us (and Theo) for accommodations, meals, and activities during our stay at the resort. We were able to experience everything this property has to offer and we had such a wonderful time. We’re so excited to share them with our audience! 

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When to Visit

Golden is a great place to visit any time of year, and every season offers options for different activities. Our visit in late summer meant that we had comfortable weather for lots of sightseeing, but it definitely cooled off at night and it even snowed up on Kicking Horse Mountain! If you’re looking to do hiking, mountain biking, and exploring in the national parks, the warmer months are a great time to visit. And if you’re looking to ski, snowboard, ice skate or snowmobile, Golden is an amazing winter destination! There’s a lot going on during every season, with something for everyone no matter what your style of travel is. Whatever time of year you plan for, you’ll have lots to keep you busy!

What to Do in Summer/Fall

We packed a lot into our short visit, and we really loved every minute of it. There are so many unique attractions and beautiful spots to see in Golden! If you’re visiting in the warmer months, you definitely need to add these to your list. Here are our recommendations for must-do activities for your Golden visit!

Explore Downtown Golden

The town of Golden has tons of great locally owned businesses to support, and we highly recommend setting aside some time to explore the historic downtown! One of the highlights is the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada and a beautiful spot to take photos! Golden has also been working on a new riverfront space which we had a peek at, and it’s a really lovely walkway along the water with gorgeous river views. Be sure to spend some time walking around and getting a feel for the town, it’s very quaint and charming!

Spend a Day at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

A visit to Golden isn’t complete without a day up at Kicking Horse! Outside the winter when there are obviously plenty of snowy mountain activities, there is still lots to do up at the resort and it is absolutely worth a visit. In the warmer months we recommend exploring the resort village, grabbing a coffee at Double Black, taking the gondola up to the top of the mountain, and having lunch or dinner up at Eagle’s Eye – the highest restaurant in Canada! There are also plenty of hiking trails and mountain biking trails if you feel like having a mountain adventure. Kicking Horse is a beautiful resort and one of Golden’s most popular attractions. We highly recommend making a day of it and taking in everything the mountain has to offer! 

Visit Boo the Grizzly Bear

Speaking of great activities up at Kicking Horse, be sure to book a tour to visit Boo the resident grizzly bear! Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is home to the world’s largest protected grizzly bear habitat, and you can arrange a tour to meet and learn about Boo. He was rescued as a cub after his mama was illegally shot and killed, and this habitat was built specifically for him. He’s nineteen years old now! His enclosure on the mountain is 20 acres, and he has so much room to roam around, play, hunt, and forage for his own food. Because he was orphaned as a baby, Boo didn’t learn the necessary skills to survive in the wild so this refuge program has provided him with an amazing home for many years. With it being late in the summertime during our visit, Boo was bulking up for winter and getting ready to hibernate. This meant that his diet was being topped up with additional food to be sure he’s getting all the calories he needs. His caretakers will hide fruit, nuts, berries, etc. inside his enclosure for him to forage, and we got to watch him eat. We loved this tour so much! We learned a lot about Boo and his story, and so much about grizzly bears. It’s a really great example of ethical animal tourism and a successful refuge, and we highly recommend arranging a tour if you’re visiting Kicking Horse during the summer months. 

Take a Sightseeing Flight with Kicking Horse Aviation 

This was one of those experiences where we had to pinch ourselves because it was so incredible. Doing a sightseeing flight and flying above the city of Golden was absolutely a major highlight of our trip! Kicking Horse Aviation is a new, locally owned and operated business offering scenic tours and charter flights in Golden. The pilot Mike is amazing, and the aircraft is a Cessna 185. It’s such a beautiful way to see the sights, and the bubble windows are perfect for taking photos! Looking out at the mountains, lakes, and waterfalls from the plane felt completely magical. It was such an unforgettable experience and we can’t recommend it enough!

Go Hiking in Yoho National Park

Another highlight of our visit was going to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. Less than an hour outside the town of Golden, Yoho National Park is full of great hiking trails, waterfalls, mountain peaks, and of course Emerald Lake. It’s truly the most beautiful lake we’ve ever seen! It’s very easy to get to and has the most picturesque views. We highly recommend planning a visit if you’re looking for an iconic Canadian lake experience that’s much quieter than the most famous spots! There’s a parking lot right at Emerald lake so it’s very accessible, and you can even take canoes out on the water if you like. There are trails that can take you around the lake, so if you’re looking for more secluded photo taking spots you can just walk down a bit from the main lodge. If you have extra time in Golden and you want to visit another national park, you can also head west to Glacier National Park for more!

Visit the Golden Skybridge

The Golden Skybridge is a new attraction that just opened earlier this year and you can’t miss it! It features the two highest suspension bridges in the whole country and the views are absolutely stunning. The pedestrian bridges sit more than 400 feet above a huge canyon and you can enjoy views of the mountains, river, waterfall, and valley as you cross. On either side there are forest and canyon ridge walking trails, and if you’re looking for more of a thrill there’s also a zipline! If you’re afraid of heights we recommend taking it slow, and holding on to the rails as you go. The views are worth it!

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for the perfect cozy cabin accommodations in Golden, we highly recommend booking one of the chalets at Cedar House! We stayed in the Sunflower Chalet during our visit and it was the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. We had complete privacy, and the cabin was super spacious with two bedrooms, a cozy living room, a wood burning fireplace, a full kitchen, and laundry. And the absolute best part was a gorgeous private hot tub outside with the most beautiful mountain views! Cedar House is a few minutes outside downtown, but it was very conveniently located for everything we did during our trip. If you’re looking for something quiet and relaxing, look no further! The Sunflower Chalet and some other select chalets at Cedar House are also pet-friendly, which means you can bring along your furry family members. Theo loved coming along and this was the perfect place to stay with him. 

The town of Golden does also have other accommodation options to suit any style of trip including hotels, motels, cabins, lodges, vacation rentals, and more. Be sure to visit the Tourism Golden website for a full list. 

Where to Eat & Drink

Golden is a small town, but we were so impressed with the great cafes, restaurants, and breweries they have! Be sure to check out some local establishments during your stay, you won’t be disappointed. For breakfast we recommend Blue Bird Cafe, it’s the perfect stop in the morning before a big day of sightseeing. For coffee, be sure to check out Wandering Fern Cafe, a mobile pop-up cafe that takes their coffee very seriously. You can follow them on Instagram to find out where they’re located each day! A great lunch spot is Reposados Tacos right downtown, they have a cute little patio and a takeaway window if you’re on the go. We were super impressed with the plant-based options, so if you’re vegetarian or vegan this is a great spot! For dinner we loved Whitetooth Bistro. They also have a patio as well as a very cozy indoor dining room, and plenty of plant-based options here too. And finally, if you’re looking to grab a drink in town you should stop by Whitetooth Brewing for great locally brewed beer! 

Lesbian Friendly

The town of Golden is well known for how friendly the local people are, and we can definitely agree. Everyone we came across was so kind and welcoming, and we felt right at home as a same-sex couple. The province of BC is such a great place to travel for the LGBTQ+ community, because even rural destinations and small towns feel safe and inclusive. We felt perfectly comfortable being out and open during our visit, and we know that Tourism Golden is happy to welcome everyone to their destination. We definitely recommend putting Golden on your travel list! 

Disclosure: Tourism Golden generously hosted us (and Theo) for our stay in collaboration with Hello BC and Kootenay Rockies Tourism. This included our accommodations, some meals, and all activities during our stay. We were able to experience so much of what Golden has to offer during our trip, and we’re so excited to share this destination with our audience! 

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How to Get There

Basecamp Resorts has properties in both Revelstoke and Canmore, with more locations to come! We visited their new property in Revelstoke which is less than a year old, and we already can’t wait to see the others. The town of Revelstoke is about a 6 hour drive from Vancouver, and about 4.5 hours from Calgary. Sitting between the Selkirk and Monashee mountains, it’s an adorable ski town with gorgeous views. We highly recommend driving to Revelstoke so you can fully experience BC’s natural beauty!

The Resort 

Basecamp is a boutique resort, just outside downtown Revelstoke. The property is right on the river with beautiful views, and the most notable amenity is a gorgeous rooftop hot tub! The staff gives you plenty of space to relax and enjoy your time, and we loved how much privacy the guests have. There’s a big grassy area with plenty of space to walk around and enjoy the fresh air, and it’s very close to town if you feel like jumping in your car to go on an adventure. Basecamp Resorts also offers pet-friendly accommodations which we love, so you can bring your fur baby along with you! Theo came with us for our visit and absolutely loved it, we highly recommend bringing along your furry family members to this spot.

The Rooms

All of the accommodations at the resort are private apartments, with studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom, and even five-six bedroom options. Basecamp can accommodate large groups comfortably so it’s perfect for everyone including couples, big families, groups of friends, etc. We stayed in a two bedroom apartment which had a full kitchen, a huge living room, three bathrooms, and lots of space to unpack and settle in. We highly recommend this style of resort if you’re looking for something more comfortable than a hotel room. If you want to do some cooking or you need to get some work done, it’s so nice to have the extra space! We absolutely loved the privacy and how well-equipped the apartment was, it was a perfect place to rest and recharge. If you’re looking for a cozy mountain getaway in BC, you won’t be disappointed booking here! 

The Town of Revelstoke

Revelstoke has tons of great adventure activities if you are looking to venture out. Depending on the season there’s hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and more! It’s a charming little town and even if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, we recommend at least heading downtown for dinner or a drink one evening during your stay. 

We felt completely safe and comfortable exploring Revelstoke as a same-sex couple. We saw rainbow flags in the local shop windows, and all the locals we chatted with were really friendly and welcoming. We can definitely recommend this spot to other LGBTQ+ travellers as a safe and inclusive community to visit!

For more information on Basecamp Resorts and their different locations, you can visit their website here.

Disclosure: Basecamp Resorts generously hosted us (and Theo) for our stay in Revelstoke. We had such a wonderful experience and we are so excited to share them with our audience! We highly recommend this property.

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We’re looking forward to visiting Lakeland in upcoming seasons to see all their different U-pick crops including tulips, peonies, and lavender. The fields are huge and there are so many amazing photo taking opportunities! We highly recommend planning a visit if you’re in the Fraser Valley or travelling to the area. Be sure to add it to your list!

Has anyone else visited Lakeland Flower Farm? Is it already on your list? 

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When to Visit

Langley is beautiful to visit anytime of year! There are plenty of seasonal events and activities happening at any given time, and you will be sure to find plenty to do when you plan your trip. We visited in mid-October and it was perfect for a fall staycation. The weather was still warm enough to visit the local farms and wineries, and we didn’t run into any summertime crowds. It was exactly what we wanted for a couple days of autumn exploring!

Where to Stay

Our favourite accommodation in Langley is definitely their Sandman Signature Hotel. The stylish property is located in Walnut Grove, it’s close to the highway and in the perfect spot for exploring everything Langley has to offer. The hotel has great amenities including on-site dining, a business centre, a fitness centre, and an indoor pool and hot tub. The rooms are very comfortable (we recommend a Signature Loft King Suite if you’re looking for a luxury experience!), and the hotel feels very quiet and relaxing. We loved staying at the Sandman Signature Langley during our autumn staycation. It’s in the perfect location and was a great place to rest in between all of our sight seeing. Highly recommend!

If you’re looking for other accommodation options in Langley, be sure to check out the full list of recommendations on the Tourism Langley website here. There are various spots for camping, as well as other hotels, motels, B&B’s, and guest houses. There is definitely something to suit every budget and travel style!

What to Do

Langley has a great mix of both outdoor and indoor activities. You will find beautiful wineries, family-owned farms, and gorgeous park spaces, along with cute cafes, unique shops, and fantastic restaurants. Here is our list of must-do activities for a Langley staycation:

Go Shopping in Historic Fort Langley

Fort Langley is a small community on the Fraser River, full of specialty boutiques and amazing shops! Make your way down Glover Road, wander down Gasoline Alley, and spend an afternoon exploring the town. Be sure to check out the Village Antiques Mall for great vintage finds, you could easily get lost in there for hours! Our favourite stops were Floralista which has beautiful plants and floral arrangements, and Living Room for gorgeous home decor. Fort Langley is the perfect place to find amazing souvenirs and gifts to take home with you. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore this special community!

Visit Aldor Acres Farm

Aldor Acres is an absolute must do! A family owned farm in the beautiful Glen Valley, Aldor Acres is open year round with plenty of fun activities. They are most well known for their 20 acres of pumpkin patches, and so the autumn season makes for a great visit. They also have a Christmas tree farm in the winter, and plenty of family friendly farm activities in the spring and summer. The farm is operated by three generations of the Anderson family, and it truly feels like a warm and welcoming place. Be sure to spend a few hours here during your Langley trip, and don’t miss the goat parade! We had a blast wandering through the barley maze, picking out pumpkins in the pumpkin patch, and checking out all the products at their farm stand. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as there are plenty of great photo opportunities!

Visit the Langley Wineries

The Fraser Valley is a popular wine region, and the township of Langley has some top notch Vineyards! Home to as many as 40 licensed wineries, Langley wines have won both national and international awards. Fit in a wine tasting during your visit and grab some bottles to take home with you. Keep reading for our top choices!

Township 7

As one of Langley’s most well known wineries, Township 7 has plenty of local support, as well as a large presence in the Okanagan due to their secondary location in Naramata. Be sure to stop by the Township 7 tasting room and sample some sparking wine from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown just a few steps away. There is also plenty of beautiful outdoor seating to relax and enjoy the weather! The staff here is so friendly and helpful, you will feel right at home as you are immediately welcomed into the Township 7 family. We highly recommend doing a full tasting, and you will not be disappointed in their selection. We did ours outside on the patio and the beautiful views made for an excellent experience. Be sure to grab a bottle to take home with you and ask about Township 7’s very popular wine club!

Backyard Vineyards

Just a few minutes around the corner and also absolutely worth a stop, is Backyard Vineyards. With a warmly inviting tasting room and a beautiful outdoor seating arrangement, this winery definitely makes for a memorable visit. Take a tour around the large property and see all of the different grape varieties this vineyard grows. All of their wines use 100% BC grapes grown on site, and they are very well respected in the wine world. The staff at Backyard is so incredibly knowledgable, and they are very passionate about what they do. It’s a perfect spot to come if you want to know more about wine, we learned so much during our tour and tasting. Our favourite tidbit was learning that we’ve never loved Chardonnay because we’d never had it in a proper Chardonnay glass at the correct temperature! We can’t wait to make it back to Backyard Vineyards and next time we will definitely bring our pup Theo, as their outdoor seating is all dog friendly!

If you want to do an additional wine stop in south Langley, check out Chaberton Estate Winery, the oldest vineyard in the entire Fraser Valley! Or if you’re looking for a smaller boutique winery, nearby is family owned Glass House Estate Winery. And for something entirely different, swing by Festina Lente Estate Winery and try their honey wine!

Check Out the Local Plant-Based Food Scene

We are always on the hunt for great vegan food, and we were truly blown away by how many incredible options there are in Langley! Whether you eat fully plant-based or just love finding veg options, we promise you will be impressed. Here are our top recommendations:

Down 2 Earth Plant Parlour

Down 2 Earth is a fully vegan, family owned restaurant in the community of Walnut Grove. They offer lunch and dinner through the week, and an incredible full service weekend brunch. They also do takeout AND just launched an Italian takeout menu called Nonna’s that we can’t wait to try! Alysa, the owner and culinary director of Down 2 Earth might just be one of the warmest, kindest people we’ve ever met. She is so enthusiastic about her business, and is truly passionate about building a community and a restaurant that feels like home to everyone. We can’t say enough good things about this spot. The food is amazing (get the poutine and thank us later), and the menu is perfect for both seasoned plant-based eaters and curious non-vegans!

Saba Cafe and Bistro

A great spot for vegan-friendly cuisine and located in the heart of Fort Langley village, is Saba. With a cozy dining room, a beautiful courtyard patio, and a creative Mediterranean inspired menu, this place is definitely worth a visit. A great place for breakfast with plenty of baked goods, they also have plant-based options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. While their menu isn’t entirely vegan, it’s full of plant forward dishes and has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. It’s the perfect place to relax with a warm beverage and a hearty meal while out and about in Fort Langley. Don’t miss it!

If you want to experience the full plant-based food scene in Langley, here are some more spots to add to your list: Pink Avo Cafe and Leef & Stem in downtown Langley, as well as Little Donkey, Veggie Bob’s Kitchen, and Maria’s Gelato in Fort Langley!

Go for a Hike/Walk

The township of Langley has plenty of beautiful green space, and lots of spots to go hiking! Head to Campbell Valley Regional Park for beautiful trails and a historic homestead. For easy walking trails and plenty of picnic areas, check out Aldergrove Regional Park, and for beautiful views of the Fraser River go to Derby Reach Regional Park or do the Fort to Fort trail. Enjoy!

Sample Langley Craft Beer

Langley has a growing craft beer scene that is proving to be very impressive! We’re so excited to see so many great breweries in the area working hard to put out amazing craft beer. For a cozy community feel, check out Trading Post. They have a huge eatery on the main strip in Fort Langley, with a big outdoor patio and a full food menu (with amazing vegan options!). Their beer is adventurous and inventive, with plenty of seasonal offerings to try. Grab a flight and relax during a busy day of exploring! Another great stop is Smuggler’s Trail Brewery in Walnut Grove. The owners of this spot are hugely passionate and their brew master is very experienced and amazingly creative. This brewery is brand new and we just know it’s going to be a huge hit. They focus on bringing together British classics with the West Coast styles we love. Their tasting room also has a full kitchen (with plant-based options!), and a very welcoming atmosphere. If you’re not into beer, you may want to check out Fraser Valley Cider Company. It’s a huge farm that makes hand crafted cider, and it may be right up your alley.

Lesbian Friendly

The Fraser Valley area is very welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. We are so happy to say that cities in our home province are truly a safe place for our community. Having grown up in Langley it always feels very special to return with my wife, and experience my hometown as a same-sex couple. Everywhere we’ve gone we always feel welcomed and completely safe to be ourselves. On this particular visit, all of the local business owners were so incredibly kind and generous, and we felt supported and celebrated as LGBTQ+ people. We love how open-minded and inclusive Langley is and we are so happy to recommend it as a lesbian friendly destination. Make sure it goes on your travel list!

Have any of you visited Langley, BC? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with Tourism Langley! We are so excited to be working with them to share their beautiful destination with our audience. Tourism Langley generously hosted us for a 2 day trip filled with autumn activities. We had such a great time and highly recommend this BC destination!

The post A Fall Staycation in Langley, BC appeared first on Lez See the World.

How to Get There

The main property of Bodega Ridge and the waterfront cabins at Bodega Cove are about a thirty minute drive from the ferry terminal at Sturdies Bay on Galiano. There is one main road that takes you up to the north end of the island, and it’s a beautiful drive! Most of the services on Galiano are located near town, so be sure you have what you need before heading up to your cabin. The ferry from the mainland leaves from Tsawwassen and takes about one hour. The full trip is quick and easy if you’re coming from Vancouver or the Fraser Valley! If you want to do some sightseeing on the island it’s probably best to come over in your vehicle, and drive yourself up the island. There is ample parking at Bodega Ridge and Bodega Cove so you can bring everything you need for a comfortable cabin stay.

Bodega Ridge and Bodega Cove

Bodega Ridge consists of two properties, the main cabins which sit on 22 acres at Bodega Ridge, and waterfront cabins just down the road at Bodega Cove. Both properties offer gorgeous pet-friendly cabins, all with amazing amenities and beautiful interiors. Bodega Ridge has seven cabins, all with three bedrooms accommodating up to six guests. The log cabins have cedar decks, queen size beds, and beautiful bathrooms that make for a comfortable stay. There is also an on site restaurant called Tranquilo, which offers a Baja inspired menu with local ingredients. A couple minutes down the road at their sister property Bodega Cove, you will find three one bedroom cabins, and two two bedroom cabins. Modern amenities at Bodega Cove include beautiful bathrooms with deep soaker tubs, full kitchens, and wood burning fireplaces. It really is the perfect place to get away and connect with nature!

The Cabins

With one, two, and three bedroom options, these properties can accommodate so many different types of travellers, and it’s a major bonus that furry friends get to come along. We stayed in a one bedroom cabin at Bodega Cove, and our dog Theo absolutely loved it. We highly recommend Bodega Cove for solo travellers or couples, as it’s the perfect amount of space for one or two people. We had a full kitchen with everything we needed to prepare meals, and the soaker tub was perfect for relaxing in at night. The cabins at Bodega Cove are incredibly charming, with both vintage vibes and modern luxury coming together. The wood burning fireplace made for cozy evenings, and the outdoor deck was the perfect spot to relax and drink coffee in the morning. We drove up to Bodega Ridge during our stay to check out the property and the other cabins, and they look just as beautiful! The larger cabins are perfect for families and groups, there really is something for everyone!

The Island

Galiano truly is a special gem in BC’s gulf islands. With well kept provincial parks and sandstone cliffs and caves, it has it’s own unique beauty. We highly recommend taking some time to explore the island as there are some gorgeous hikes and look out points. Our favourites were Montague Marine Provincial Park and Bodega Ridge Provincial Park. If you’re into kayaking, be sure to check out Gulf Island Kayaking and arrange a rental or a guided tour! For a full list of things to do on Galiano Island, be sure to read our full guide here. We loved our visit and will certainly return one day. We found it to be incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly, and we can certainly recommend it as a safe destination for other same-sex couples. The staff at Bodega Ridge and all of the locals and business owners we met during our stay were very warm and welcoming to us. Be sure to add this spot to your BC travel list!

For information on Bodega Ridge and more about Galiano Island, you can visit their website here.

Has anyone else been to the Southern Gulf Islands in BC? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in no way sponsored by Galiano Tourism or Bodega Cove. Bodega Cove did generously host us (and Theo) in one of their cabins for a portion of our stay on Galiano, and we are so excited to share them with you. We had a great experience and highly recommend both this property and destination!

The post Staying at Bodega Cove on Galiano Island appeared first on Lez See the World.

How to Get There

Located just steps from the ferry in Sturdies Bay, The Galiano Inn & Spa is in the most accessible location on the island. Ferry service from Tsawwassen on the mainland is fast and easy, and the sailing only takes one hour. It’s a very easy trip to do from the city of Vancouver or anywhere in the Fraser Valley! If you don’t want to bring your vehicle to the island, you can leave it on the other side and walk up to the inn from the ferry terminal. The Galiano Inn even has smart cars available to tour the island if you want to get out and explore!

The Hotel

The Galiano Inn & Spa is a fully equipped boutique resort with inn rooms, villas, a beautiful restaurant, pizza patio, and spa. The property is right on the water with the most stunning views, and the gardens and grounds are really lovely to explore. Atrevida, the onsite restaurant features a seasonal menu of West Coast cuisine, and their outdoor pizza kitchen La Lena offers wood fired pizzas with beautiful water views! The staff is happy to help you arrange excursions during your stay like renting a kayak, moped, or e-bike, or you can enjoy the spa services on the property. The Galiano Inn is a pet-friendly hotel (which we love), with one inn suite and one villa allowing pets. Your furry family member will love to come along!

The Rooms

The hotel has ten inn rooms and ten villas, all with beautiful oceanfront views! Our stay was in the Esperanz Villa, which featured a full kitchen, a spacious bedroom with king size bed, a very comfortable living space, and a gorgeous patio. The outdoor space had a fireplace, BBQ, and hydrotherapy tub, not to mention the gorgeous views of the water. We highly recommend booking a villa if you want lots of space, a kitchen to prepare meals, and an outdoor tub to soak in! We loved eating our breakfast outside and enjoying the view with a glass of wine in the evenings. The hotel has a really lovely and relaxing atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to rest and recharge, and you will have everything you need (and more) for an enjoyable stay. We highly recommend this spot for a luxury experience on Galiano Island, you won’t be disappointed!

The Island

Galiano Island has so much to offer from its stunning provincial parks, to its unique sandstone cliffs and caves. You will have so much fun hiking and exploring, or just relaxing and soaking up the beauty of this destination! If you do plan to do some sight seeing, we highly recommend checking out Montague Marine Provincial Park, and Bodega Ridge Provincial Park. You also can’t go wrong with a rental from Gulf Island Kayaking to explore the waters! For a full list of what to do on Galiano Island, be sure to read our complete guide here. We really enjoyed our stay and felt so comfortable as a same-sex couple. The hotel staff and all of the locals we encountered were very warm and friendly! We can certainly recommend this destination to other LGBTQ+ travellers, and we can’t wait to hear what you think after your visit!

For information on The Galiano Inn & Spa and more about Galiano Island, you can visit their website here.

Has anyone else been to the Southern Gulf Islands in BC? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in no way sponsored by Galiano Tourism or The Galiano Inn & Spa. The Galiano Inn did generously host us (and Theo) for a portion of our stay on Galiano Island, and we are so excited to share them with our audience. We had a wonderful experience and highly recommend both this property and destination!

The post Staying at The Galiano Inn & Spa on Galiano Island appeared first on Lez See the World.