Tofino and Ucluelet

We always love heading over to Tofino and Ucluelet and, since we haven't been here for several years, went to some of our favourite places and also found a few new ones. There are so many diverse hiking areas to choose from. Rain forest, beach, old growth forest and rugged coastline. 

Although far too expensive to stay at, the Wickanninish Inn has a lovely restaurant overlooking the ocean and a beach that is great to watch the surfers from. It's also the best place for storm watching but we were very lucky to have beautiful sunny days during our time here.

The Ucluelet Aquarium is one of our favourite. While not very big it has interesting local displays. I loved this colourful sea snail. 

Enjoying the warmth of the sun.

The largest trees in Cathedral Grove (east of Port Alberni) are 800 years old but most of them sprouted from a fire that opened the forest about 300 years ago. 

We finished the island part of our trip in Nanaimo and enjoyed the beautiful evening light on the harbour. 

Raptors, Wine, Tea and Trestle Bridges

On the weekend we headed back to Victoria to pick up Andrew's sister, Clare, and spend more time with her on her days off work. I think our favourite stop of the weekend was the Pacific Northwest Raptors Center near Duncan. Several of the birds were out in the open (albeit leashed) so it was much easier to get a good look at them. And there were several staff members who engaged with both the birds and visitors which made it very interesting and educational.

It was raining when we arrived at the Kinsol Trestle Bridge but that didn't stop us from going for a short hike. 

We had lunch and wine tasting at Unsworth Vineyards, wine tasting at Averill Creek Vineyards, tea tasting at Westholme Tea Company, and stopped at a couple local coffee roasters so we are well stocked up! 

With Saturday being so rainy, we weren't sure what we'd wake up to but the view from our rooms at the Moon Water Lodge on Sunday morning was stunning! 

Although we'd stayed at an airbnb earlier in the trip, this time we were back at our favourite Victoria hotel, the Coast Harbourside. Love being near the harbour and the colourful house boats at Fisherman's Wharf. 

The harbour at night

Early morning at the harbour

Humorous artwork near Fisherman's Wharf

Colourful house boats at Fisherman's Wharf

Maple Mountain, Sea Lions, Cider and Saltspring

From Victoria we headed out to the Cowichan Bay area and hiked to the top of Maple Mountain. So much greenery, dripping moss, moisture! Love walking through the trees here.

On top of Maple Mountain

A view to the ocean

Shelf fungus

Tree moss

Spending the night at Cowichan Bay was a noisy affair. The hotel offered a warning and earplugs in preparation for a disturbed sleep thanks to these big guys.

Lovely early morning light on the bay.

On Saltspring Island we checked out a paragliding launch. While it had a great hang gliding ramp and a nice big landing zone, the area for launching a paraglider was a bit dubious! Beyond our skill level, I think. But the view was hard to beat, especially with Mt. Baker in the distance. 

There are several places making cider on the island and we enjoyed the unique selection at Saltspring 
Wild. They also had a surprisingly large food menu and several picnic tables in an outdoor garden area that would be inviting on a warmer day.

We enjoyed another beautiful seaside morning view before a hike in Ruckles Park and along the beach.

Lunch time by the ocean

Nature's art