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!

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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!

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When to Visit

Galiano welcomes visitors all year round, and each season offers something special depending on what you’re looking for! Whether you want to go kayaking in the summer sun, or cozy up in a cabin for winter, Galiano offers plenty to do and see any time of year. The island is in a fairly dry region with less rainfall than surrounding areas, and more of a Mediterranean type climate. The winters are still cold and wet, but summers are warm with lots of sunshine and not a lot of rain. We visited in September and can imagine how beautiful Galiano would be anytime of year!

What to Do

Galiano Island has the highest percentage of artists per capita in the entire province of BC! Many people are drawn to the island because of its amazing arts and culture. That, along with absolutely beautiful sightseeing makes Galiano Island an ideal destination for many. Here is our list of must-do activities for your visit!

Appreciate the Local Art Scene

If you want to check out the work of some of the local artists, be sure to read this list of galleries, artists, and craftspeople on Galiano! You can also find a list of island businesses and local products here. The community is full of artists and creators and it’s one of the many things that makes Galiano so special.

Enjoy the Provincial Parks

Galiano island is quite underdeveloped, leaving so much beautiful green space and gorgeous parks to explore during your trip. Be sure to visit Collinson Point Provincial Park and Bellhouse Provincial Park on the south end of the island, both just a short drive from the ferry. If you venture a bit further, Montague Marine Provincial Park is a must see! Further north up the island is Bodega Ridge Provincial Park, well worth the drive from the main town. There are plenty of trails and lovely beaches in the parks, and the views of the water and neighbouring islands are truly stunning. Enjoy!

Explore Sturdies Bay

The small town of Sturdies Bay will welcome you as soon as you step off the ferry. There are a handful of small businesses including bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and a food truck! (Keep reading for all of our food recommendations below). You will also find the only gas station, a small grocery/liquor store, a book store, and a boutique. Be sure to spend some time walking around town to truly get a feel for this welcoming community.

Go Hiking

If you’re looking for additional places to hike during your time on the island, check out Mount Galiano and Bluffs Park. Both are located just a short drive from Sturdies Bay and offer gorgeous lookout points and great trails of varying ability levels.

Go Kayaking

One of the best ways to truly experience Galiano is by kayak! Gulf Island Kayaking is located just a short drive from the ferry and offers both guided tours and rentals. You can rent single or double kayaks (as well as SUPs and canoes) to take out on your own, or you can join a small group tour with an expert guide. Paddling along the coast of the island is a great way to see the gorgeous sandstone cliffs that Galiano is well known for. When it’s high tide you can get nice and close to admire the unique rock formations. It’s also common to spot seals out in the water! The afternoon we spent kayaking was definitely one of the highlights of our trip and we can’t recommend it enough. Be sure to add this to your itinerary!

Where to Stay

The main hotel accommodation on the island is at the Galiano Inn & Spa. The beautiful beachfront property has inn rooms as well as full villas, a beautiful restaurant, a pizza patio, and a spa! The grounds are truly stunning and the views are perfect for watching ferries pass by on the water. If you’re looking for something really special, be sure to book a villa with a full kitchen, spacious bedroom, comfortable living room, and incredible outdoor space. The patios have a fireplace, BBQ, and hydrotherapy tub! Some rooms and villas are pet-friendly so you can bring along your fur baby which is always a bonus for us. We loved our stay at the Galiano Inn & Spa, and it was in the perfect location just steps from the ferry. Highly recommend!

If a hotel in town isn’t your style, you might prefer a cozy cabin in the woods. (Or our best advice is to do a couple of nights at each property so you can have both experiences!) Bodega Ridge is the most incredible cabin property, located on the quiet and secluded north end of the island. The main cabins sit on 22 acres, and additional cabins are located at their sister property, Bodega Cove. There are one, two, and three bedroom options, and all of the cabins are pet-friendly! The private cabins all have gorgeous interiors with luxury amenities, and there is a restaurant at the main property. Cozy up by the fire, relax on the deck, or take a bath in the soaker tub. This place is special and you will not want to leave!

In addition to these properties, there are some B&Bs, cottages, and vacation rentals on Galiano. You can also camp at Montague Marine Provincial Park! The island definitely has accommodations to suit any budget and style of travel, but be sure to book in advance as things can fill up. You can find a full list of accommodation options here.

Where to Eat & Drink

Galiano Island has everything from food trucks like Max & Moritz Spicy Food (try their Vietnamese dishes!) to high end fine dining like Pilgrimme. If you’re looking for a cozy cafe you can try Sturdies Bay Bakery & Cafe, or Babes in the Woods is great for a casual restaurant. The Galiano Inn & Spa has a full-service restaurant called Atrevida, as well as an amazing pizza patio La Lena Pizza (with a delicious vegan option!) If you’re up at Bodega Ridge you can check out Tranquilo and their Baja inspired menu. The local pub can be found at Hummingbird Pub & Family Restaurant, and The Crane and Robin Restaurant makes for a perfect patio experience. The grocery stores and markets on the island will have some grocery options, but if you plan to cook a lot of your meals you may want to bring some of your own food (especially if you have dietary restrictions). We both eat a plant-based diet and tend to cook most of our meals while travelling, so we brought a lot of our own food to the island. If you’re staying in accommodations with a kitchen like the Galiano Inn & Spa, Bodega Ridge, or a cottage on the island, it will be easy to cook your own meals during your visit! We did plenty of cooking in our villa at the Galiano Inn, as well as in our cabin at Bodega Cove.

Lesbian Friendly

We feel so incredibly fortunate to be from such an LGBTQ+ friendly country as Canada. Vancouver and the surrounding areas are so welcoming, and we love travelling locally within our province. The Gulf Islands are home to very kind and open-minded residents. The locals are extremely friendly and love having visitors! We felt completely safe to be ourselves during our time on Galiano and were entirely out and open as a same-sex couple. We can definitely recommend it as a lesbian friendly destination and think it’s a perfect getaway for LGBTQ+ travellers. Both the Galiano Inn & Spa and Bodega Ridge are LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations, and all of the business owners we met on the island were absolutely lovely. The community feels like a very warm and inclusive place. Galiano Island definitely needs to go on your BC travel list!

Has anyone else visited Galiano Island? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in no way sponsored by Galiano Island Tourism. Galiano Inn & Spa and Bodega Ridge did generously host us for our time on the island, and we had wonderful experiences at both properties. Gulf Island Kayaking also offered a kayak rental during our stay. We really enjoyed our visit and highly recommend this destination!

The post A Lesbian Friendly Getaway to Galiano Island, Canada appeared first on Lez See the World.

BC is incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly, even in the most remote corners of the province. We have always felt safe travelling in British Columbia as an open lesbian couple, and we love encouraging travellers to visit the province we call home! Malcolm Island is a warm and welcoming place with friendly locals, lovely business owners, and an inclusive, open-minded, culture. We felt right at home during our visit and cannot recommend it enough!

Has anyone else fallen in love with Malcolm Island? Is it already on your BC bucket list? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to read our other articles about Sointula and Malcolm Island to help you plan your trip:

Guide to Malcolm Island

The Oceanfront Hotel Sointula 

The post 24 Photos to Make You Fall in Love With Malcolm Island appeared first on Lez See the World.

When to Visit

Abbotsford makes for a great trip from Vancouver anytime of year, but it’s especially wonderful in the summertime! Plan your visit between June and September for the warmest days and best summer activities. You can pick berries, enjoy the farms, grab some fresh veggies, visit the local wineries and breweries, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy everything the region has to offer. We visited at the beginning of August and it was perfect for a full day of exploring!

What to Do

Abbotsford is well known for its beautiful farmland, but there is also a thriving downtown district with many trendy restaurants, cafes, breweries, and more! Here is our list of must-do activities for a summertime visit:

Shop in Historic Downtown Abbotsford

Downtown Abbotsford is an essential stop for your visit! Being the oldest part of the city, historic downtown has been revitalized and is full of amazing boutiques and specialty shops. Be sure to check out Yes Chef for housewares and kitchen goods, Spruce Collective for locally made products and vintage finds, and Montrose & George for the local community general store. You will find all sorts of unique gems downtown, be sure to scour the shops for the perfect gifts and souvenirs to take home!

Visit Maan Farms

Maan Farms is one of Abbotsford’s most impressive and well-known farms. Started back in the 70’s by the Maan family, they’ve grown from a small roadside stand to a huge community establishment. The summer months are the perfect time to stop by and do their U-Pick berries. They are most famous for their strawberries, but you can also pick blueberries or raspberries! The farm has a full fruit and veggie market, a shop with homemade goods, a full kitchen serving lunch, a winery, and tons of family friendly activities. If you visit in the late summer you might also get to experience their annual sunflower festival!

Visit an Abbotsford Winery

Along with the new winery at Maan Farms, Abbotsford is home to many more! Pick up some local wines during your visit to make the most out of your trip. Some of the most popular spots include Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery, Singletree Winery, and Mt Lehman Winery.

Check out the Local Cafes

Abbotsford’s downtown district doesn’t disappoint when it comes to coffee shops, bakeries, and cozy cafes. Stop by in the morning and grab a cold-pressed juice or smoothie bowl at The Habit Project, or get your caffeine fix at Old Hand Coffee. For pastries and baked goodies head to Duft & Co Bakehouse, for high tea go to Tracycakes Bakery, and for gluten-free and vegan options check out Polly Fox! We were so impressed with how much downtown Abbotsford has changed in recent years, and how many great establishments there are to check out. Be sure to spend some time exploring the neighbourhood!

Go Hiking

Abbotsford offers plenty of activities for the outdoorsy traveller, including some great hikes! Head up to Sumas Mountain on the Ledgeview trails for gorgeous views of the Fraser Valley, or for something more challenging try the Abby Grind, a hike along the Glen Ryder Trail. Other spots that make for a great scenic walk are the Downes Bowl trail, the Albert Dyck trail, the Mill Lake loop, or the Willband Creek trail. Enjoy!

Sample Abbotsford Beer & Cider

Abbotsford is home to one of the Vancouver area’s best craft beer breweries, Field House Brewing! We promise even the ultimate beer snob will be impressed. You won’t just find typical brews at Field House, they offer an impressive selection of specialty beers, like barrel aged ales and uniquely flavoured sours. Stop by to pick up some bottles to take home, or have a drink on their spacious outdoor patio. They even have a full food menu available if you get hungry!

If beer isn’t your thing, head to Taves Estate Cidery. It’s the newest addition to the longstanding Taves Farm, which they just opened up in 2020. Enjoy a flight of hard cider and relax in their outdoor picnic area. They have traditional apple blends as well as creative flavours like gooseberry, red currant, and black currant (our favourite)! Fill up a growler or grab some bottles of cider to take with you, and don’t leave without meeting the farm’s resident goats!

Lesbian Friendly

Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are very welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. We’re so fortunate to say that our home province is such a beautifully welcoming place. Everywhere we went in Abbotsford we felt completely safe to be ourselves. We saw tons of rainbow flags in the windows of downtown businesses, and all of the local shop owners and farm owners welcomed us warmly as a same-sex couple. We never feel the need to closet ourselves here in BC and we love how open-minded and inclusive the Fraser Valley is. Abbotsford can definitely go on your list of lesbian friendly destinations!

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

Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with Tourism Abbotsford! We are so happy to be working with them to share their beautiful BC destination with our audience. Tourism Abbotsford generously hosted us for a jam-packed day of summer activities. We had an amazing time and highly recommend this destination as a great day-trip from Vancouver!

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When to Visit

Harrison Mills and Harrison Hot Springs are amazing to visit anytime of year, but the summertime is especially wonderful to appreciate everything they have to offer. Plan your visit during the summer months for the best weather, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the fun seasonal activities. We visited in early August and it was perfect for exploring the area!

What to Do

Harrison Mills and Harrison Hot Springs are primarily tourism communities offering plenty to do! Located only 20 minutes apart, both areas have tons of great activities and attractions to enjoy. Below is our list of must-dos for a summertime visit:

Check out the Sandpiper Resort

The most notable attraction in the community of Harrison Mills is the incredible Sandpiper Resort! Home to the Sandpiper Golfcourse and Rowena’s Inn on the River, the resort is worth a visit purely to enjoy the beautiful grounds and the stunning views of the Harrison River. You can stop by for a meal at the Clubhouse Restaurant, or if you are planning an overnight stay, Rowena’s Inn is a perfect choice. The main inn was converted from an old English-style manor, and they’ve added both rustic and luxury cabin accommodations to the grounds. The resort is family-friendly and some rooms/cabins are also pet-friendly. The 160 acre property is absolutely worth a visit, don’t miss it!

Go to the Kilby Historic Site

Just 5 minutes away from the Sandpiper Resort is the Kilby Historic Site, a living museum exploring BC’s history and rural life in the community of Harrison Mills. You can tour the whole site, which includes beautiful gardens, a 1906 general store museum, a heritage post office, gallery, and the Manchester house hotel. It’s the perfect educational attraction where you can learn the history of the area!

Experience the Circle Farm Tour

The Fraser Valley’s Circle Farm Tour offers an opportunity for a self-guided journey of unique attractions in the area. In Harrison you can visit family-owned farms, artisan shops, and so much more! Be sure to stop by the Canadian Pacific Railroad Station, Cabin Fever Junction, Farmhouse Natural Cheeses, Sparkes Corn Barn, Agassiz Farm, and the Lost Marble Cafe & Creamery to name a few! It’s a great way to support the local businesses in Harrison.

Check out The Back Porch Coffee Roastery

Part of the Fraser Valley’s ‘Circle Farm Tour’, The Back Porch Coffee Roastery is a must-do stop. This family-owned establishment includes a coffee roastery, pottery and basketry studio, vegetable gardens, and a shop. Stop by to check out beautiful antiques, pottery, collectibles, hand crafted baskets, as well as housewares and garden decor.

Stop by the Harrison Lavender Farm

Next door to The Back Porch is Harrison Lavender! This was our favourite stop, a beautiful family-owned micro-farm that just opened up in 2020. With 5 different varieties of lavender, a small shop with handmade lavender products, and a stunning opportunity for photos, this spot can’t be missed! Take some time to stroll through the field and admire the plants.

Explore the Village of Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs village sits on the edge of beautiful Harrison Lake. Full of small shops, cafes, and restaurants, the village is the heart of Harrison Hot Springs. Explore the town, look for local crafts and souvenirs to take home, and grab a meal at one of the great establishments on the esplanade. Our favourite stop is Muddy Waters Cafe, a casual bistro with great lunch options! You can also grab a treat at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, or have a drink at the beautiful Harrison Hot Springs Resort. Be sure to read about what local events are happening during your visit as there is always something going on, like the annual Harrison Festival of the Arts.

Walk the Sasquatch Trail

Harrison Hot Springs is Sasquatch country and there’s a fun trail that starts at the town welcome sign, and takes you up to the Sasquatch Museum. Learn about Harrison’s history with the Sasquatch and the local Sts’ailes First Nations that believe in the Sasquatch as an elusive spiritual being. The museum is always a fun place to visit and it’s also located at the Harrison Visitor Centre! If you’re looking for another trail you can also do the 1km Spirit Trail, which is accessible from the edge of the village. For a longer hike, try the trail to Sandy Cove. You’ll get a beautiful view of the lake!

Enjoy Harrison Lake

There are plenty of activities to enjoy on the lake in the summertime like kayaking, canoeing, and boating! You can also swim in the lake and in the lagoon, but keep in mind the glacier fed lake is very cold even in the summertime. There are some local companies offering guided kayak or boat tours, or you can rent paddle boards or boats to take out on your own.

Lesbian Friendly

We feel incredibly fortunate to be able to say that our home province of BC is very accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. The Greater Vancouver Area and the Fraser Valley is a safe and inclusive place for LGBTQ+ travellers, and you will feel very welcome in Harrison Mills and Harrison Hot Springs! We always feel comfortable being out and open during our local adventures. Everywhere we’ve visited in Harrison felt very welcoming and we’ve never had any issues as a same-sex couple. It can definitely go on your list of lesbian friendly travel destinations!

Have any of you visited Harrison Mills or Harrison Hot Springs, BC? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with Tourism Harrison Mills and Tourism Harrison! We are so excited to work with them to share their beautiful destinations with our audience. Tourism Harrison Mills generously hosted us for an overnight stay, and Tourism Harrison hosted us for an afternoon of summer activities. We had a great experience and recommend both destinations as amazing summertime day trips from Vancouver!

The post A Summertime Day Trip to Harrison Mills & Harrison Hot Springs, BC appeared first on Lez See the World.

How to Get There

The Oceanfront Hotel in Sointula is a beachfront property located steps away from the Malcolm Island ferry terminal. Ferry service from Port McNeil on Vancouver Island is quick and easy, and your fare includes a return trip. Port McNeil is about 4 hours from Nanaimo, which has regular ferry service to the mainland, and it’s a beautiful drive. There are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife on your way, we even saw a baby black bear! A day of travel is absolutely worth it once you get to the paradise that is Malcolm Island. You will immediately relax looking out at the stunning ocean views and you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach.

The Hotel

The Oceanfront Hotel has been owned by a lovely local couple for the past 40 years. The property is right in the centre of the island’s small town, with unbelievable ocean views. There is an onsite pub, which is currently closed due to COVID-19 regulations, but they’ve opened up a take-out window! Open for lunch and dinner every day 11:30am-1:30pm and 5pm-8pm. There are also plenty of activities you can have arranged during your stay if you’re interested. Ask the owners Robin and Ray about whale-watching tours, fishing/crabbing charters, and kayaking! From the hotel’s beach you can spot minks, sea lions, eagles, and more, and you’ll be in the perfect spot to watch the most beautiful sunsets.

The Rooms

The hotel has a variety of rooms available including pet-friendly options, wheelchair accessible rooms, rooms with private kitchens/kitchenettes, and plenty of ocean view options. There is also a communal kitchen in the building that all guests have access to. Our stay was in the Green Lodge 3 Apartment, which we highly recommend if you want lots of space, a full kitchen to cook in, and a large balcony overlooking the beach! We ate all our meals outside, and spent every morning and evening looking out over the water and enjoying the view. The hotel has a lovely rustic charm and we felt right at home. The bed was super comfortable, there was plenty of hot water, and we had everything we needed for an enjoyable stay. We also got a tour through the hotel to see the other rooms and each one had it’s own unique feel. You truly can’t go wrong here!

The Island

Malcolm Island has so much to offer from great hiking trails to an incredible whale watching spot. We highly recommend exploring the island during your stay and enjoying some of the most popular spots including Bere Point, Big Lake, and the Pulteney Point Lighthouse. For a full list of what to do on Malcolm Island, be sure to read our complete guide here. Outside the small town of Sointula, keep in mind that most roads are unpaved and you will lose cell service in some spots. Be sure to plan ahead for your daily outings! Everywhere we went on the island we felt safe and comfortable to be ourselves. The hotel owners and all of the locals in town were warm, welcoming, and completely accepting of us as a same-sex couple. We highly recommend this destination to other LGBTQ+ travellers and we truly can’t wait for more people to experience this special gem!

For information on The Oceanfront Hotel Sointula and more about Malcolm Island, you can visit their website here.

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

Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with The Oceanfront Hotel Sointula. We are so happy to be working with them to share their beautiful family owned property with our audience! The Oceanfront Hotel Sointula generously hosted us (and Theo) for our stay on Malcolm Island. We had a wonderful experience and cannot recommend this property and this destination enough.

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When to Visit

You can visit Malcolm Island all year round, but the most popular time is during the summer! Be sure to plan your visit between June and September for the warmest temperatures and sunniest days. During the winter months it can get quite cold and wet in the Mount Waddington Region, but the island is still a beautiful place for a quiet escape. We visited in July and had perfect weather for sightseeing. Nearly every day was clear, warm, and a mix of sun and clouds. We also caught some gorgeous sunsets!

What to Do

Most people are drawn to Malcolm Island for the incredible wildlife, and there is plenty of hiking, fishing, whale watching, and sightseeing to do. We spent a week exploring the island and still feel like there was more to see! Here is our list of must-do activities for your visit:

Whale Watch at Bere Point Regional Park

Bere Point is probably the most well known attraction on the island because of its popular whale rubbing beach! Local orcas will come to rub on the smooth pebbles not far from shore, and it’s an incredible opportunity to see them so close. This is a behaviour that is specific to the community of orcas in this region, and there is a viewing platform set up to watch from. You may want to visit this spot a couple times during your trip to increase your chances of seeing them. You may also spot humpback whales! Bere Point is about 6km outside of Sointula, the small town on Malcolm Island. You can drive there from the ferry in about 10 minutes, and it’s only a short hike to the first viewing platform or an easy walk down to the beach. For a longer hike you can do the Beautiful Bay Trail, which is a 10km round-trip trail with beautiful views of the ocean, mountains, and rainforest. Keep in mind that the drive outside of town is on dirt roads and you may lose cell service.

Visit Big Lake

This lake is a popular swimming hole for locals during the summertime and it’s a great spot to bring a picnic and relax during your visit. You can drive there in about 10 minutes from the centre of town (on dirt roads), or you can hike to it on the 6km Mateoja Heritage Trail. Nearby is Little Lake and Melvin’s Bog. We spent a quiet afternoon here letting our dog play around on the sandy beach and enjoying the water views! Highly recommend!

Hike to the Pulteney Point Lighthouse

About a 25 minute drive outside of town is the trail to the Pulteney Point Lighthouse. This was probably one of our favourite attractions that we visited! Sitting on the Southwestern tip of the island, the views at the lighthouse are beautiful. It’s about a 10 minute hike through the forest and another 10-15 minute walk along a rocky beach. We recommend going during low tide so you have plenty of room to walk and enjoy the sights. The first lighthouse at this spot was built in 1905, and the current lighthouse has been there since 1943. It’s a must-see!

Explore the Town of Sointula

Sointula means ‘place of harmony’ in Finnish, which is very fitting for this blissful little town. It’s a tight-knit community that is incredibly welcoming, and as soon as you step off the ferry you will feel right at home. The town consists of the amazing Oceanfront Hotel, a co-op store (which is the oldest in Western Canada!), a bakery, a museum, a cafe, and a resource centre. It’s also known for having a wonderful arts scene, being home to talented local artists and musicians. You can learn more about the history of the town at the Sointula Museum, and visit the resource centre if you need any assistance during your stay!

Have Lunch at Coho Joe Cafe

Be sure to visit the local cafe for coffee, breakfast, or lunch during your visit. Everything is made from scratch, and they are open 9am-2:30pm every day. The owners are lovely and hosted us for lunch during our stay on the island, and even made something vegan for us! The food was fresh and delicious, and it makes for a great opportunity to chat with some of the locals. The cafe is a popular spot for both residents and tourists. Enjoy!

Where to Stay

The main accommodations on the island are at The Oceanfront Hotel. This beautiful beachfront property has incredible ocean views and cozy rooms. We loved our stay there and it was in the perfect location for enjoying the town of Sointula and exploring the rest of the island. It is steps from the ferry and right on the beach! For more about the hotel we have a full article all about it which you can read here.

Another popular place to stay on Malcolm Island is in Bere Point Regional Park. There are 29 campsites, with many of them offering beautiful views of the water. These are un-serviced sites with no hydro or running water. We saw the campsites when we visited the park to whale watch and they looked like a great place to stay! Your last option would be at a small guesthouse, cottage, or B&B on the island. You can find a full list of options here.

Where to Eat & Drink

Coho Joe Cafe is your best option for breakfast and lunch right in town. If you head out to the marina you can also try Burger Barn, which is another popular spot! The Oceanfront Hotel has a pub, which is the only evening establishment, so be sure to check it out for dinner and drinks. (The pub is currently closed due to COVID-19 regulations, but they’ve opened up a take-out window! Open for lunch and dinner every day 11:30am-1:30pm and 5pm-8pm). In the summertime you may see some farmer’s market stands and lemonade stands so keep an eye out for these! The co-op general store will have some grocery options, and if you have any dietary restrictions you can also bring along what you need. We’re both vegan so we packed a lot of our own food to prepare for our stay on the island. We stayed in the Green Lodge 3 Apartment at The Oceanfront Hotel, which had a full kitchen, making it easy to cook our own meals during our visit!

Lesbian Friendly

We will never stop talking about how fortunate we are to be from Canada, one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world. Vancouver and its surrounding areas are incredibly welcoming to lesbian travellers and we have always enjoyed our experiences travelling locally in our province. Even in such a remote destination as Malcolm Island, we were welcomed warmly by the locals and nobody even remarked on us being a same-sex couple. We felt completely safe and free to be ourselves, and had no issues being out and open during our visit. This is a great destination for LGBTQ+ travellers and we highly recommend it! The Oceanfront Hotel is extremely welcoming, and all the business owners in Sointula are lovely, friendly people. We had plenty of great conversations with locals during our stay and we found everyone to be very kind and open-minded. They love having visitors and will make you feel right at home! Malcolm Island should definitely go on your travel list as a lesbian friendly destination.

Has anyone else visited Malcolm Island? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in no way sponsored by Malcolm Island Tourism. The Oceanfront Hotel Sointula did generously host us for our stay, and we had a wonderful experience at their property. We truly enjoyed our time on the island and will definitely be returning.

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Capilano’s main suspension bridge was originally built in 1889 and has become an iconic Vancouver attraction. It’s more than 450 feet long and connects the two sides of the park. If you don’t do very well with heights it’s best to take your time, walk slowly, and hold onto the cables. There is plenty of time to enjoy the sights while you’re crossing and take plenty of photos, so don’t forget your camera! You can also see amazing views of the bridge from either side of the park.

The Treetops Adventure is the best way to truly admire Capilano’s West Coast rainforest. This attraction has 7 small suspension bridges hanging among the huge Douglas-fir trees, with viewing platforms offering a unique perspective of the beautiful forest. This attraction has been recognized for its innovative engineering and is a must-do adventure when visiting the park.

Capilano’s newest attraction, the Cliffwalk, is definitely the most thrilling of them all! With 700 feet of walkways and platforms, the Cliffwalk offers a stunning viewpoint of the canyon that is unlike anything else in the park. Again, if you are weary of heights you will want to walk slowly and use the hand rails. There are platforms where you can stop to take in the view and let others pass if you want to go slowly and take your time.

The park is open all year round (except Dec 25), rain or shine and tickets can be purchased online. Be sure to give yourself at least a couple of hours to enjoy all of the main activities as well as the smaller attractions, including nature walks and complimentary guided history tours. You also need to check out Kia’palano, a display where you can learn about BC’s First Nations people, and admire the park’s collection of totem (story) poles. If you’re looking for food, drinks, or souvenirs, there is also a small store, as well as cafes, a restaurant, and an ice cream shop on the property. Each winter Capilano puts on Canyon Lights, an incredible holiday festival where the entire park is lit up with festive decorations and hundreds of thousands of lights. If you’re visiting between November and January this is a great way to see the park!

Have you already been to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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We love how lesbian friendly this area of Mexico is, and we felt very safe during our trip to the region. Riviera Maya is located in the state of Quintana Roo, which legalized same-sex marriage back in 2012. It’s a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, and we certainly found it to be welcoming and inclusive for lesbian women and female couples. Discover everything this region has to offer and don’t be afraid to venture outside of the resorts! You can experience the real Mexico and have an incredible adventure. Go snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea, learn about the history of the region, immerse yourself in the local culture, and fall in love with Riveria Maya.

Is anyone else in love with Rivera Maya, Mexico? Is it already on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to read our full lesbian travel guides to our favourite Mexico destinations to help you plan your trip:

Cancun
Tulum
Playa del Carmen

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