Roam Around at Fort Rodd Hill

Tour through secret bunkers, military command posts and original 19th century buildings at Fort Rodd Hill, a west coast artillery fortress on active duty from 1895 to 1956. Learn the personal stories of soldiers and their families. Camp overnight in a group-friendly oTENTik. Grab the wheel as a “master mariner” at Fisgard Lighthouse, the oldest on the Canadian west coast, and wander through a rare Garry Oak meadow. pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill

Get Out in the Garden

Butchart Gardens is open daily from 9am- 5pm, welcoming guests to take solace from this beautiful garden. You’ll find a sunken garden, rose garden, Japanese Garden, and Italian Garden along with Ross Fountain and Star Pond. For information on both present and future happenings, visit butchartgardens.com.

Play in the Park

Beacon Hill Park offers 200-acres to play in, just steps from downtown Victoria. Explore the trails meandering through meadows, gardens and trees, and the 18-hole putting green (bring your own clubs and balls), spray park and playground. Stroll past the duck ponds, over bridges, through gardens, and find what was once the world’s tallest free-standing totem pole. beaconhillpark.ca

Gallop Along the Goose

The 60-km partly paved Galloping Goose Trail winds from Victoria to Sooke with access points along the way. It also intersects with the E&N Rail Trail-Humpback Connector, the 17km cycling and pedestrian trail. Start the Goose in the heart of the city or drive out to a rural access point for more of a country experience. gallopinggoosetrail.com

Lose Yourself on the Lochside Trail

The 29-km Lochside Regional Trail starts in Saanich and ends at the ferry terminal in Swartz Bay. In some places trail visitors must share paved or gravel public roads with motor vehicles and farm vehicles. Trail maps and suggested access points/day trips are available from the CRD website: crd.bc.ca/parks, then select “Find a Park.”

Loop Swan Lake

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary features both marshy lowlands and the rocky, oak-forested highlands of Christmas Hill. The 12,000-year-old lake is home to a variety of birds and wildlife including muskrats, river otters and mink. Circle the lake along a 2.5-km trail and cross the floating walkway then stop in at the Nature House (open on a limited schedule). swanlake.bc.ca.

Stretch Out at Sidney Spit

Sidney Spit Marine Park is a great destination for a day trip. The foot-passenger ferry service has re-opened so now you can book your trip to Sidney Island (25 minutes). Explore the sandy spit at the northeast end or hike around the whole island. Walk-in camping is also available. For updates on the ferry service, visit sidneyspitferry.com.

While Away the Day at Witty’s

Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park in Metchosin offers more than 5 kms of beautiful trails run through woodland, past lagoon and marsh. Watch for birds as you meander down to the sandy beach. The Nature House at the trailhead has some great displays. Check for opening hours. On Metchosin Road, approximately 40 minutes from downtown Victoria. crd.bc.ca/parks

Retreat to Roche Cove

Roche Cove Regional Park in East Sooke. Picnic at the protected cove after an easy walk from the parking area. Wander the 7 kms of trails through cedar forest and along a cool creek or climb a mossy slope for hilltop views of Roche Cove and the Sooke Basin. Roche Cove is also a good access point for the Galloping Goose Trail. crd.bc.ca/parks

Ease into East Sooke Park

East Sooke Regional Park offers 50 kms of trails along the windswept rocky coast, over dry hilltops, through dark rainforest to sheltered coves. Aylard Farm is popular with picnickers and those looking for an easy excursion. A 5-minute walk through open fields leads to a sandy beach. Trails head inland to hilltop views, or along the rugged, more challenging Coast Trail. crd.bc.ca/parks

Make a Splash at Thetis Lake

Thetis Lake. Hike scenic trails hugging Upper and Lower Thetis lakes. The beach area of Thetis Lake is perfect for a picnic or swim, although it tends to be crowded in summer. If you have a canoe, try an early morning or evening paddle. Pay parking: $2.25 for the day or $20 for the season. crd.bc.ca/parks

“Star” Gaze at The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney is a state-of-the-art aquarium and marine education centre focused on the ecosystem of the Salish Sea. Spend a moment with calming, drifting jellies. Take a peek at invertebrates of all shapes and colours. The Centre is open and welcomes visitors on Thursday though Tuesday from 10am-4:30pm. Masks mandatory. salishseacentre.org

Fly by Butterfly Gardens

Victoria Butterfly Gardens. See thousands of exotic butterflies (up to 70 species) flying free in their own tropical rainforest environment. Wander through the orchid exhibit or carnivorous plant section. You’ll also see colourful fish and tropical birds. Open daily from 10am-4pm with the last admission into the facility at 3pm. Group bookings are only allowed between 8-10am. butterflygardens.com

Seek Sun & Surf

Gonzales Beach. Sure the water is freezing, but this is a beautiful sandy beach with the south-facing views and sunshing. It’s a great beach for skim boarding and splashing about in the shallow waters. Willows Beach has all the amenities at hand: bathrooms, a tea room for concessions, a playground and a sweeping sandy beach. There’s a grassy park for picnics and lots of trees for shade. Gyro Beach at Cadboro Bay Beach and home of the Cadborosaurus! The ocean is no warmer at this beach than any of the other Victoria beaches, but the stretch of sand and nearby Cadboro-Gyro Park make it a hit with families.

Cool Down at Sooke Potholes

Sooke Potholes are a series of deep fresh-water pools created by water falling over boulders in the Sooke River. Enjoy the views, explore the trails, camp under the stars, or take a refreshing dip on a hot summer day. You can access the potholes at different points. crd.bc.ca

Love a Llama

Millstream Miniature Llamas offers a guided tour of the farm for families and small groups. The tour includes an explanation of why llamas are special, the history of llamas in North and South America, how llamas interact with people and with each other, a discussion of the uses of llamas today, a chance to meet several llamas, experience a “llama kiss” and feel the fibre. Phone 250-478-9969 to arrange a tour. millstream-minis.com

Behold the Bugs

Welcome to the amazing world of insects, arachnids, and their many-legged relatives. See live giant walkingsticks, alien-eyed praying mantids, hairy tarantulas and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, to name a few. Discover roughly 50 fascinating species including Canada’s largest ant farm. Masks are mandatory. To guarantee your spot at the time you’d like, book online at victoriabugzoo.ca.

Take Flight

At Wild Play Adventures you can soar through the air on six exhilarating zipline flights that criss-cross through the treetops. A guide will attach your harness to each zipline along the way. Just lean back and enjoy the ride. Afterwards, try your hand—and eye—at axe throwing (12+). Open Fri–Mon from 10am–7pm. wildplay.com

Visit the Farm

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm is located in Victoria’s beautiful Beacon Hill . Enjoy the farm animal experience, from alpacas to miniature goats, tropical birds and miniature pigs. The Farm is home to all kinds of fuzzy, furry, feathered creatures and features a goat petting area and the famous goat stampedes. Open seasonally. For dates and hours visit beaconhillchildrensfarm.ca.

Appreciate Art

A visit to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is a one-of-a-kind experience. The diversity of exhibits and programs is welcoming for all and there’s always something new to discover. aggv.ca

Find Out About Flying

See airplanes, seaplanes, helicopters and more at the BC Aviation Museum. Learn about BC’s aviation history from early bush planes to bombers and beyond. bcam.net

Walk Among the Totems

Duncan, aka “The City of Totems,” has over 40 beautifully carved totems scattered throughout the city, just waiting for you to take a self-guided walking tour. Follow the yellow footprints or take a virtual tour with an interactive map. Take as long as you want; stop along the way for a drink, treat, lunch, or to browse the toy shop. downtownduncan.ca

Change Your View of the World at Hand of Man

Step inside this 17,000-square-foot museum of some of the most interesting personal collections in the world. Every bit of wall space is covered with a treasure, artifact, oddity, or piece of culture and history. Don’t be surprised if the owner curator Jim Shockey joins you and starts talking about his incredible world-wide adventures over the last 40 years. This museum is a rarity and treasure all to itself. handofmanmuseum.com

All Aboard at the BC Forest Discovery Centre

Take a trip through the past, present and future on 100 acres! Forestry and logging take an important place in history and our present-day-lives, all captured in the Forests Forever interactive exhibit. No visit is complete without a locomotive ride across the spectacular grounds and over the Somenos Lake trestle. Plan on lunch from the concessions or bring your own picnic. bcforestdiscoverycentre.com

Gear Up for Biking

Bring your bikes and ride the trails! Hundreds of kilometres of trails for all levels of ability. Enjoy the lush forests, the vistas, waterfalls and the adrenaline. Camps and clinics for kids 8–14 are available at Next Level Riding nextlevelriding.ca. Need a bike rental to get started? Check out Cycle Therapy in Duncan to get on a bike and start seeing the sights of Cowichan from a whole new perspective. cycletherapy.ca

Cool Down on the Cowichan River

Dive into the fun of tubing down the Cowichan River with a leisurely but exhilarating floating experience. It’s Vancouver Island’s best kept secret for cooling off in the slow-moving, crystal clear waters of the Cowichan River. Jump in with your own floatie or give the guys at The Tube Shack a call for licensed and insured tube rentals and complimentary shuttle back to Lake Cowichan. cowichanriver.com

Spend the day at Transfer Beach

One of Ladysmith’s gems, Transfer Beach is a seaside park that will keep the little ones entertained for hours. Swimming, spray parks, playgrounds, and sheltered picnic areas—all surrounded by flora and fauna, viewpoints and lookouts. Pick up a game of basketball, horseshoes or sand volleyball then grab a bite and drink at the concessions and food trucks. This beach has it all, and is centrally located right off Trans-Canada highway. ladysmith.ca

Let Your Spirit Soar with The Raptors

The Raptors, 10 minutes north of Duncan, invites you to meet some of the coolest birds in the world. Check out the flying demonstrations featuring eagles, hawks, owls and vultures. Want to get closer? Take a walk through the woods with a hawk, hold a falcon on your glove, meet an owl face to beak, or spend an entire day immersing yourself in the world of raptors. pnwraptors.com

Fall in Love with Stocking Creek Falls

This gentle waterfall is situated just north of Chemainus in the seaside community of Saltair. Part of the Cowichan Valley Trail, this easy path to the waterfall is full of wildlife, birds, trees, flowers and fresh air. Pick a salmonberry along the way and count all the owls in the tall trees. Enter Stocking Creek Park from Chemainus Rd. cvrd.bc.ca

Explore the Cowichan River Footpath

The lower stretch of the footpath, from the Cowichan Fish and Game Association clubhouse to Skutz Falls, is a well-maintained trail, beautiful at any time of the year. You’ll also find many excellent picnicking spots. There is a 2.4-km circle route to Holt Creek and a 6.4-km circle route with good picnic spots. Maps can be picked up at Duncan Visitor Information Centre.

Hunt for Fairies at Merridale Cidery & Distillery

Explore Merridale’s 20-acre apple orchard in Cobble Hill and learn about apple trees, indigenous plant life and little known facts about Cowichan. This tour also highlights “Merri and Dale”—the magical apple blossom faeries living on the property. Pick up a “Mystical Orchard Adventure Map” to search for faeries, dryads, hobgoblins, gnomes and elves or download it at merridale.ca.

Brush Up on Island History

Nanaimo District Museum offers guided and self-guided tours that encourage visitors to “Make a Discovery” while exploring the history and heritage of our area. The Museum Gallery is open from 10am–4pm, admission is by donation. The Bastion remains closed and cannon firings have been cancelled until further notice. nanaimomuseum.ca

Gander at the Goats

Coombs Old Country Market is along Highway 4A, on the way to Port Alberni from Parksville or Nanaimo. Wander the market, unique shops, galleries and studios for gifts, groceries and great food. There’s lots to see. Be sure to look up when you’re outside the market—the goats on the sod roof live there throughout the summer and “mow” the lawn. The Market is open from 9am–6pm. oldcountrymarket.com

Take Your Best Shot at Mini Golf

Sink some putts at Paradise Mini Golf and Fun Park (paradisefunpark.net) featuring two world-class mini-golf courses complete with a mini lighthouse, pirate ship and Victorian mansion. Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf (riptidelagoon.com) will whisk you away to another land filled with mini mountains, rapids and a research station.

Play in the Park

Lions Venture Land Playground and Splash Park is a landmark in the Parksville Community Park. Kids love the brightly coloured slides and sea creatures, swings, jungle gyms, in-ground trampolines and the ever popular Zipkrooze. Not only that, but there are horseshoe pits, a skate park, kite field, lacrosse box, sports field and ball diamonds, and a picnic shelter and gazebo.

Go Underground at Horne Lake

Explore the beauty and mysteries of Vancouver Island’s Underworld in a subterranean adventure at Horne Lake Caves. A wide variety of tour options offers many levels of experience for families and adventurous park visitors. To reserve a tour, visit hornelake.com.

Bike at Top Bridge

The Top Bridge Trail in Parksville links Rathtrevor Beach with Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park on the scenic Englishman River. The trail is 5km each way and winds through public and private property, with a number of access points (a local favourite is at Industrial Way and Tuan Road). Enter from the Chattell Road trailhead and you’ll be at the suspension bridge over the river. The Information Centre at the south end of town will provide directions. rdn.bc.ca/top-bridge-regional-trail

Try Your Hand at Disc Golf

Bowen Park Disc Golf is free and open to the public every day of the year. The par 54 course starts at a large, introductory sign that’s located across from the main complex building, near Bowen Road. For a course map and score card, visit nanaimo.ca.

Zip, Swing & Bungy at Wildplay

At WildPlay Nanaimo, you start with a training session on the ground to get comfortable using the ziplines and continuous belay system. Then you’ll climb up a ladder and start making your way from tree to tree by walking across tightropes, climbing up cargo nets, sliding down ziplines, flying through the air on rope swings and leaping onto swinging logs and balancing on wobbly bridges. There’s a Kids Course, too. Feeling really brave? Then give bungy jumping and the primal swing a try. wildplay.com/nanaimo

Look Waaayyy Up at Cathedral Grove

Cathedral Grove-MacMillan Park is a day-use park just past Cameron Lake on Highway 4. View some of the largest and oldest trees on Vancouver Island, including over-800-year-old giants and lush vegetation on the interpretive trail system that winds through the park. Cathedral Grove is approximately 20 minutes from Parksville. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/macmillan

Hike to the Falls

Stamp River Provincial Park near Port Alberni is over 327 hectares of forests, rivers and waterfalls. Explore the 2 kms of hiking trails along the river, past fish ladders and crashing waterfalls. Starting in late August, spawning Sockeye salmon begin making their way up the Stamp River. The park is a 20-minute drive from town on Beaver Creek Road.

Spend a day at the Beach

Rathtrevor Beach is a three-mile stretch of sandy seaside, perfect for families craving a day at the beach, with water warm enough not only for wading, but for swimming, too! Stick around for the sunsets, often some of the most spectacular on the Island. The nearby BC Parks campground is also a family favourite. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/rathtrevor

Meet the Herd at Morningstar Farm

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is just north of Parksville. Wander LQC’s Morningstar Farm, meet the small herd of Holstein, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss and Canadienne dairy cows and see how yummy, artisanal local cheeses are made. You can take your own self-guided tour around the 90 acres of beautiful working farm. Open daily 9am–6pm. 403 Lowrys Road. morningstarfarm.ca

Be Wowed by Wildlife

North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRC) in Coombs is a rehabilitation facility, especially for raptors and black bears. The goal: to care for these animals and eventually reintroduce them into their natural environment. See eagles through one-way glass in the largest flight cage of its kind in Canada. View bears, owls, falcons, hawks, swans and ravens. NIWRA offers activities and educational programs for the whole family. Open daily 9am–4:30pm. niwra.org

Follow the Nanaimo Bar Trail

Looking for the ultimate Nanaimo Bar? Look no further than these top three options: Red’s Bakery, Hearthstone Artisan Bakery or Vault Café. Or follow the self-guided tasting trail (tourismnanaimo.com/what-to-do/sip-and-savour/nanaimo-bar-trail) where you’ll find everything from the classic Nanaimo Bar, the organic/vegan/raw/gluten bar and ice cream versions to maple bacon topped and deep fried Nanaimo Bars.

Hang 10 in Tofino

Want to Learn to Surf? You’ve come to the right place. Here are three rental places and surfing schools In Tofino: Surf Sisters surfsister.com, Pacific Surf Co pacificsurfschool.com, Tofino Surf School tofinosurfschool.ca.

See the Sawmill

McLean Mill National Historic Site will be for self-guided tours with maps available outside the administration office. The Mill will also be offering guided tours in limited group sizes. Dates and times to be confirmed. Gift shop and Steam Pot Cafe are open daily, hours to be confirmed. Campground is open, with online booking available. mcleanmill.ca

Explore the Trails

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The stretch of Pacific Rim National Park between Ucluelet and Tofino boasts magnificent beaches and dramatic seascapes (and a few tourists!). Check in with the Tourist Information Centre at the Ucluelet-Tofino-Port Alberni Junction to find out about trails, beaches, eateries and activities. pc.gc.ca

Get Wild on the WPT

The Wild Pacific Trail in Pacific Rim Park. Follow cliff-edges along the extreme outer coast, including the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse site. You’ll view the ocean’s fury from the protection of the trail and from viewing platforms situated at the best headlands along the route. You’ll also be awed by gigantic nurse-logs, raised root systems, mosses, fungi, lichens and ferns. The trail can be walked in two main sections: Lighthouse Loop and Big Beach. Then leave the coastline to visit the largest trees in the area at Ancient Cedars grove. wildpacifictrail.com

Littles to the Lighthouse

Lighthouse Loop, part of the Wild Pacific Trail and 2.6 kms long, can be walked in a 30–45 minute loop using the adjoining He-Tin-Kis Park boardwalk. The trail includes viewpoints and benches for watching whales, birds or catching the sunset. The Bog Interpretive Trail is open, a 300m interpretive loop (within the Loop!). wildpacifictrail.com/lighthouse.html

Learn About Local Marine Life

Visit Ucluelet Aquarium, Canada’s first catch-and-release aquarium, where you’ll find a diversity of local marine life. The touch tanks will be covered for animal care purposes as soap and disinfectants are harmful to the health of fish and invertebrates. Learn about the local marine ecosystems at the mini aquarium and help raise awareness about local marine biodiversity and promote respect for the ocean environment. Open every day, including holidays, from 10am–4:30pm. uclueletaquarium.org

Get Out in the Garden

The idea of the garden is that it can be both a basic introduction to the natural and cultural history of Clayoquot Sound, and a place where the relationship between culture and nature can be explored. A COVID-friendly way to spend a day in Tofino “just to set the heart free.” Now open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. tofinobotanicalgardens.com

Try Out Tuff City Skatepark

Tuff City Skatepark is a surf-inspired park built and powered by the determination of local residents. The result is a well-designed, safe skateboarding area for the young and old, those who are learning or experienced skaters. tourismtofino.com/plan-your-trip/business-directory/tuff-city-skatepark

Or Ride on Over to the Bike Park

This mountain bike park is Tofino’s newest addition to its outdoor playground. The park is located beside the Tofino Community Hall and includes a pump track, table top jumps, a learning area, ladder planks and other obstacles. The park is “use at your own risk” so think safety first.

Indulge in Gelato

Chocolate Tofino offers handmade gelato flavours including Dutch Chocolate, Salted Caramel, White Chocolate Raspberry, Hammerhead—a secret recipe—“Kookville” and Lavender Honey, to name a few. With a menu that’s “sometimes seasonal, sometimes as we please,” you never know what you’ll find. chocolatetofino.com

Peruse the Courtenay Museum & Palaeontology Centre

The Courtenay Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am–4pm. Find out why the Comox Valley, past and present, is one of the most plentiful places on earth. Take a fossil tour and travel 80 million years back in time; browse the galleries to delve into the stories that make our history come alive. courtenaymuseum.ca

See the Standing in the Gap Exhibit

Campbell River Museum’s Cecil Dawson: Standing in the Gap exhibit explores the impacts of colonization through the experiences of one family, and one artist, Kwakwaka’wakw artist and Hereditary Chief Gixkastallasame-gi, or Cecil Dawson. His artworks interpret this hurtful history and its continuing impact upon our society. Open daily during the summer from 10am–5pm. crmuseum.ca

Wonder About Whales

Look up at the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove and you’ll see the 18-metre skeleton of a fin whale hanging from the ceiling. Walk between the jawbones of a blue whale or check out the skull of a sperm whale with giant teeth. Housed in an old freight shed, the interactive museum’s goal is to increase public awareness about whales and other local marine mammals and the threats they face. killerwhalecentre.org

Catch a Fish

Cast a line from Discovery Pier and see what you catch. Or pack a picnic and sit at one of the tables on the pier for dining al fresco. There’s a concession stand nearby that sells ice cream and rents fishing rods in the summer. campbellriver.travel/attractions/discovery-pier

Zip-pidy Do Da

Unfold your wings and fly on Mt. Washington’s “Eagle’s Flight” ZipTour. This dual-line, four-span zip line offers an adrenaline-filled and scenic adventure down the terrain of the Mt. Washington Alpine Resort. The total tour length is 1.44-mile-long with a vertical drop of 1,364 feet! Or skip the zip and take a chairlift ride to the summit to see breathtaking mountain and ocean views. Open weekends, book in advance at mountwashington.ca.

Go Go-Carting

The Saratoga Speedway provides family-friendly entertainment and activities. Get a ride in a monster truck, race a go-cart or watch the action at a Crash to Pass race featuring everything from travel trailers to boats! For a current racing, schedule visit saratogaracing.ca.

Sway on the Suspension Bridge

Just a 30-minute walk from the parking lot, Elk Falls Suspension Bridge gives a bird’s eye view of Elk Falls, cascading 64 metres to the canyon below. The high wire sides mean you can relax and enjoy the view without worrying about any climbing kids. The area is well signed. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/elk_falls

Discover Local Marine Species

Discovery Passage Aquarium features local marine species and habitats from Discovery Passage. The Aquarium offers education and fun hands-on experiences suitable for all ages. With a focus on conservation and education, the Aquarium will re-open this summer with species that are collected in the spring being released in the fall.

Make a Quick Stop at the Quinsam

As one of Canada’s largest salmon rearing facilities, the Quinsam River Hatchery plays a vital role in restoring natural spawning runs to the Campbell and Quinsam Rivers during the fall. Check out the fish floor inside the hatchery’s interpretive centre, a glass floor covering a re-creation of the nearby rivers with salmon, trout and other native aquatic species. Check for re-opening and hours. pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sep-pmvs/hatcheries- ecloseries/quinsam-eng.html

Celebrate the Return of Islands Folk Festival

Islands Folk Festival resumes live performances at Providence Farm in Duncan on Saturday, July 23. With on-site camping, a ‘Wee Folks’ kid zone, shuttle service, beverage garden and food and craft vendors, this family-friendly event will feature great music and performers, craft vendors and family fun. For a full list of performers visit islandsfolkfestival.ca.

Meet You at the Market

Salt Spring Saturday Market on the waterfront in Ganges is famous for a reason: there’s lots to see and do. Oh, yeah…and the Salt Spring fruitsicles! You’ll find 140+ stallholders who, between April to October from 9am–4pm, sell what they make, bake or grow on. saltspringmarket.com

See the Seashells at the Seashore

Montague Harbour was declared the province’s first marine park in 1959 and the area has been home to Coast Salish people for over 3800 years. You’ll find the middens made of discarded clam, oyster and abalone shells on the seashore. Crushed by storms and bleached by the sun, the shells have created beautiful white beaches, perfect for exploring. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/montague

Play in Paradise

Visit Big Tribune Bay on Hornby Island, dubbed “Hawaii of the North” for its crystal-clear blue waters and sweeping sandy beach. With lots of tidal pools to explore at low tide, this Hornby favourite provides a day’s worth of to-dos so pack a picnic and beach toys and kick off your shoes. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/tribune

Commandeer a Kayak

Go kayaking on Galiano Island with a kayak from Gulf Island Kayaking and see the sandstone shoreline and maybe even a whale or two. As the original kayak outfitter in the Southern Gulf Islands, the owners chose Galiano as its base because of the exceptional beauty of the island’s undeveloped coastline, the abundance of diverse wildlife and the reliable tranquility of its sheltered waters. For rates and tours, visit seakayak.ca.

Find the Mountain Fairies

Follow the Fairy Door Trail at Mount Erskine on Salt Spring. A good, stiff hike up the 488-metre mountain takes you past twisted trees, mossy forest floors and an assortment of fairy doors. Be forewarned: the first door is further along the trail than you might expect. For details and a map, visit travelingislanders.com/enchanted-fairy-door-trail-on-salt-spring-island.

Hit the Hilltops

Explore Helliwell Park on Hornby Island and take in some incredible views. This 5km hike is stroller friendly, with an all-terrainer. The expansive grass fields mean lots of room to roam, but beware of the steep cliffs! bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/helliwell

Ramble on the Ridge

Hike along Galiano’s 75km+ of trails. One of the best hikes is the 90-minute roundtrip hike in Bodega Ridge Provincial Park. At the top, 328 metres above sea level, you’ll have a spectacular view of Trincomali Channel. Watch for endangered peregrine falcons in this safe critical habitat. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/bodega_ridge

Roam at Roesland

Walk the trail to beautiful Roe Lake on North Pender Island and take a dip. Roesland Park is another outpost of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve; while you’re here, explore the Pender Island Museum.

Visit Vesuvius

Vesuvius Beach on the northwest coast of Salt Spring Island has the warmest swimming waters and stunning sunsets. Another place to swim on Salt Spring is at St. Mary’s Lake where you’ll find a small public beach and, not too far from the beach, a rope swing popular with locals. Cusheon and Stowell Lakes are also popular with families. discoversaltspring.com/vesuvius

Say Cheese!

Visit the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company and take a peek through one of the viewing windows into the cheesemaking facility. Stay for lunch at the café and choose from housemade soups, pizza, salad and a delicious goat cheese cake for dessert. saltspringcheese.com

Try out the Tree House Café

In Ganges and set amidst the trees this quaint and quirky restaurant is a local favourite, one that Lonely Planet called “the kind of place where a hobbit would feel at home.” treehousecafe.ca

Scream for Ice Cream

To cool down, drop by Lix Ice Cream and Espresso on Hornby Island. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the building at Ringside Market, painted with as many colours as there are ice cream flavours. facebook.com/LixHornby

Tired of being cooped up? There’s no time like springtime to get outside and shake off the winter blahs. Not only are the days getting longer, with the extra light chasing away the shadows, but there’s lots more to do now that we can get outdoors and explore. So where to start?

1. Get to a Gulf Island.

Stop by Saltspring and spend an afternoon at Centennial Park in Ganges. Hop on over to Hornby and dip your toes in the water at Tribune Bay. Going to Galiano? Don’t miss Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park where the white shell beaches beckon. Like any trip, part of the fun is getting there! southerngulfislands.com

2. Go Underground.

Choose an individual or private tour and explore Horne Lake Caves with a guide—no self-guiding for now. Start with a basic tour, like the Riverbend Cave Explorer, or kick it up a notch to the Achilles Challenge. hornelake.com

3. Build Sandcastles.

Challenge each other to a sandcastle building contest or combine your efforts and build one together.

3½. and/or Fly Kites.

Bring a kite in case the wind picks up and you’re ready to switch from sand to sky. The perfect sandcastle-to-kite-flying spot: Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville, Goose Spit Park in Comox or Wickaninnish Beach in Tofino.

4. Be a Tourist.

Buy a wristband and take in some of Victoria’s finest attractions at this week-long event from Mar 7 to 13. For every ticket purchased, Be a Tourist will donate another one to the Cridge Centre for the Family. beatourist.ca

5. Watch for Whales.

Celebrate marine life on the coast and meet the guest of honour, the Gray Whale, at the Pacific Rim Whale Festival from March 18 to 26. Don’t miss the children’s activities and culinary events, First Nations cultural workshops, inspirational talks, interpretive walks and more. pacificrimwhalefestival.com

6. Hang 10.

There’s no shortage of surf schools in Tofino with options including private and group lessons, for kids and families. Choose from one lesson to a week’s worth. Wetsuit and surfboard rentals included. tourismtofino.com

7. Gaze at the Goats.

The Old Country Market in Coombs opens in early March and the goats will be in fine form mowing the Market’s grassy roof. Come for the goats, stay for the bustling, brimming market and the ice cream! oldcountrymarket.com