Vancouver Island keeps calling us back

Victoria, British Columbia

We can’t get enough of Vancouver Island. Life moves a little slower on the island, and we dig that. It’s the perfect weekend getaway for Vancouverites looking to escape the hustle of the big city.

We feel an instant calm wash over us every time we arrive on the island. It’s only a 1.5 hour ferry from the mainland but it has a completely different vibe.

After spending an extra long weekend in Parksville last month (see the photos here), we returned to Victoria a few weeks later and spent the weekend at the posh Oak Bay Beach Resort. Located in Oak Bay on the eastern side of the Victoria peninsula, it’s a beautiful seaside resort with incredible views of the Straight of Juan du Fuca and the San Juan Islands.

We attended a tourism event last year and Nicole won a free trip to the newly renovated luxury resort – she’s always had good luck on her side!

It was also my birthday, so we decided to redeem the prize and spend the weekend alone while Baby B visited his grandparents. This was only the second time we’ve traveled without him, so it was nice to sleep in and enjoy a lazy brunch on the sundeck. It was a well needed break.

The newly renovated Oak Bay Beach Resort

Calm morning water on the Straight of Juan de Fuca

Warm mineral pools and sun deck = Rejuvenation

Brunch without a toddler? How very civilized.

As we sat on the sundeck of the hotel and enjoyed brunch in the sunshine, we reflected on our previous trips to Victoria and came to realize that we’ve visited the city four years in a row, each trip around the same time of year.

Two years ago, we stayed at the Magnolia Hotel while Nicole was pregnant with Baby B (see the flashback photos here). And last year we stayed at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort while introducing an 8-month old Baby B to the city where it all started. Look how small he looks in these photos and this one.

And this year, Nicole was pregnant in Victoria once again…

This scene has become quite familiar with our relationship. It will be fun to visit again next year with Baby B’s little brother. We might just have to continue this tradition and make it an annual routine!

Here are a few more photos from our most recent visit to Victoria…

 The legendary Empress Hotel in Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Water taxis at the Inner Harbour pier

Victoria Inner Harbour

 Victoria Parliament Buildings

Chinatown

Sampler of locally crafted beer (ignore the labels on the glasses)

Read more posts about Victoria, BC:

• 7 Things You Should Do in Victoria
• Surrounded by Killer Whales in Victoria
• Strolling down Memory Lane in Victoria
• Photo Flashback – Same, Same but Different
• Greetings from Victoria on Victoria Day!
• Victoria Inner Harbour at Night
• A Delicious Journey at LURE Restaurant in Victoria

Have you visited Victoria, BC? What did you think?
Share your experience in the comments section below, we’d love to read about it!