This past weekend was a holiday one in our part of the world: Family Day. So as a family we went to the west coast of the island, to enjoy its beauty. I had booked us a dog-friendly 2 bedroom suite in a place I have stayed at multiple times already – the Tofino Resort and Marina.
Bowser has his own car seat, which he doesn’t mind. It’s a 3 hour drive from our property to our destination.
Alas, the weather (amongst other things) was not in our favour this past weekend. It was grey, wet, and cold for the most part. But we made the best of it, regardless. Even when all of our snacks froze solid in the hotel room’s mini-fridge. Even when some takeout from a formerly great restaurant turned out to be a disappointment. Even when I couldn’t make the pour-over coffee I had brought taste good. Even when we couldn’t escape the drizzle and rain.
Keeping Bowsie warm while waiting for our tacos at Tacofino (which never disappoints!).Doncha just hate it when all the seats and tables are taken? 😂 At the Tofitian Coffee shop. Get the hot chocolate there – trust me!Fueled by tacos and hot drinks, we headed to our home for the weekend.No rest for our resident guard dog, always keeping an eye on things going on at the resort.The skies were mostly like this, for the duration of our stay.Crow friend, just outside my bedroom window.We didn’t let that stop us from enjoying the beautiful west coast trails and views.
High waves in winter bring a lot of visitors to the west coast of the island. This day the waves were marked as “considerable” according to the roadside signage. You can hear Bowser bark in this video. At the Amphirite Lighthouse on the Wild Pacific Trail.When the rain really started coming down we retreated to our suite, piled on the king bed and watched movies. Bowser enjoyed a doggy massage courtesy of Mommy.What a life, eh Bowsie?On departure day, we woke up to blue skies (naturally). 😉We hit the Rainforest Trail on the way out of town, to go back to the place where the kids got married.Bowser didn’t understand why we had to stop here but he was a good sport about it, anyways.Bowser has turned out to be quite a good little traveller.
We hope you enjoyed the recap of our little winter getaway.
How fun! A couple friends and I traveled for a 3 day weekend to the Upper Peninsula last summer. It rained all day on our drive up and during our stay. We had blue skies for the drive home of course. But we had an absolutely wonderful time.
Sorry the weather didn’t cooperate for your beautiful getaway, but memories were still made and that’s what counts.
Love the all seats are taken photo!
Thank you very much, Rivergirl! 💕 The crows and ravens are very much part of the tourist experience there and we’re constantly warned not to leave food unattended for even a second. They’re that bold. I even had a sparrow snatch a hunk of donut right from my hand when I turned to speak to a friend!
Hi Debs – sounds like a good rest time for all … with the odd ‘push’ to the great outdoors … the thought of that ocean so near is scary … but it’s a stunning place … I’ve been a couple of times. Also good to share happy days together … cheers Hilary
The windows with such a view, even if overcast, was gorgeous. I wanted to sit down and read a book with some hot chocolate (or perhaps an adult drink!).
Family Day is a relatively new holiday for us in Canada. There was a lot of griping about having a long weekend in February instead of in a more “hospitable ” month initially but people are making the most of it anyways. Thanks, Jean 💕
The waves crashing on the rocks is stunning. Going to the coast in the winter is a whole different vibe. The road was closed because of fires the last time we were staying in Qualicum Beach in the summer and wanted to go to Tofino. We need to try again sometime, although maybe a spring or fall trip would be better.
Thank you very much, Kari 💕 I think Canada is lovely too, and I am worried about the noises coming from the Felon! So your comment is especially appreciated.
That dog is too darn cute!
It’s definitely his superpower! Thanks, Sheree 💕
Pleasure
How fun! A couple friends and I traveled for a 3 day weekend to the Upper Peninsula last summer. It rained all day on our drive up and during our stay. We had blue skies for the drive home of course. But we had an absolutely wonderful time.
Of course! I think it’s a law somewhere, for 3 day weekends 😂. Thanks, Dawn 💕
Sorry the weather didn’t cooperate for your beautiful getaway, but memories were still made and that’s what counts.
Love the all seats are taken photo!
Thank you very much, Rivergirl! 💕 The crows and ravens are very much part of the tourist experience there and we’re constantly warned not to leave food unattended for even a second. They’re that bold. I even had a sparrow snatch a hunk of donut right from my hand when I turned to speak to a friend!
Hi Debs – sounds like a good rest time for all … with the odd ‘push’ to the great outdoors … the thought of that ocean so near is scary … but it’s a stunning place … I’ve been a couple of times. Also good to share happy days together … cheers Hilary
Yes! It was very good to share some happy and restful days together. Thank you, Hilary 💕
Family time, even in not-so-great weather is the best. Bowzer looks content.
Bowser is happiest when his pack is altogether! Thanks, Suzanne 💕
The windows with such a view, even if overcast, was gorgeous. I wanted to sit down and read a book with some hot chocolate (or perhaps an adult drink!).
Oh yes! I didn’t bring hot chocolate but we enjoyed many a cup of hot tea from the stash I brought. Thanks, Kate 💕
Family Day is a great idea. I don’t think we have that here in the states. Love all the photos.
Family Day is a relatively new holiday for us in Canada. There was a lot of griping about having a long weekend in February instead of in a more “hospitable ” month initially but people are making the most of it anyways. Thanks, Jean 💕
The waves crashing on the rocks is stunning. Going to the coast in the winter is a whole different vibe. The road was closed because of fires the last time we were staying in Qualicum Beach in the summer and wanted to go to Tofino. We need to try again sometime, although maybe a spring or fall trip would be better.
I love going to the west coast in the off season! Way more relaxed, less traffic, no hours long waits for food…and just as scenic! Thanks, Sheila 💕
That looks like such a wonderful getaway. What a wonderful way to spend family time. <3 <3 <3
Thank you, my friend 💕
<3 <3 <3
Family Day…Canada is so lovely. 💜
Your trip looked lovely as well.
Thank you very much, Kari 💕 I think Canada is lovely too, and I am worried about the noises coming from the Felon! So your comment is especially appreciated.
We are worried, too. 😔
I’m sorry you and the weather didn’t get along, but you made the best of it. Your photos are lovely, both of nature and [of course] of Bowser.
Thank you very much, Ally 💕 As I like to tell people (AND myself) there is no bad weather just bad gear. 😉
Sure, you keep thinking that… 🙄
💖💖💖
Thanks, Natalie 💕
What a beautiful place to get in touch with nature and have some quality family time.
Yes! We love it there. Thank you, Jean 💕