Be the Ultimate Host/Hostess on Vancouver Island

 

Living in one of the most beautiful places on Earth has its consequences. Your friends and family always want to come visit! Being a host can be exciting, but also very stressful. You want to show them the best of the best that this little paradise has to offer. Here are a few things you can do to be the ultimate Vancouver Island host or hostess.

 

1. Plan your favourite hike, or a try out a new one

 

Some quality time with the amazing nature on the Island is a must. What better way to show it off than with your favourite hike? Whether it’s a challenging trek to a summit with a stunning view, or a trail walk to be surrounded by towering trees, there are plenty of ways to share the nature of Vancouver Island with your guests.

Find some great hikes here.

2. Do something unique

 

There are plenty of activities on Vancouver Island that are special to the area. Snorkeling with salmon, whale watching, kayaking, surfing, ziplining through the rainforest? It’s all just another day in the life on Vancouver Island.

3. Show off the Farmer’s Markets

 

There are few places with as many Farmer’s Markets as Vancouver Island. Victoria and its surrounding areas alone have over ten. Then there’s the Cowichan Valley, including B.C.’s largest Farmer’s Market in Duncan, and the Comox Valley to name just a few. Artisan goods, the freshest produce and incredible snacks and creations help bring your guest into the heart of Vancouver Island. The aim of a host is to make them feel at home, right?

 

4. Take them to your favourite local watering hole

 

Vancouver Island produces some incredible beer, wine and spirits. It’s time to take your guest to your favourite local watering hole. What’s “import” for them is simply your weekend go-to. Places like Tofino Brew Co., Vancouver Island Brewery, Cowichan Valley’s wineries, Victoria’s multiple breweries and Comox Valley’s distilleries are often featured at different bars and restaurants all over the Island.

 

5. Do a food tour

 

Vancouver Island has an abundance of amazing farms and fresh goods. Most restaurants capitalize on having so much bounty around. Instead of choosing one restaurant, taking your guest on a food tour will let them try all of the best. Not to mention, you often get to see where the food is coming from and learn firsthand about why Vancouver Island is such a hot spot for the slow food movement.

 

6. Go fishing

 

Being right on the coast has another perk – Fishing. For a true West Coast experience, book a charter and try for some salmon and halibut. Fighting your first salmon and reeling in the big one is more than memorable. Then, cook your catch and have a feast! Fresh seafood while on Vancouver Island is a must.

 

7. Road trip to the coast

 

Unless you’re already lucky enough to live on the West Coast of the Island, pack the car and head for the road. Showing off the endless beaches, great surf, stunning nature and cool culture of the rugged west coast will be a highlight. Tofino and Ucluelet are both unique and incomparable to the rest of Vancouver Island and Canada. A trip that way, rain or shine, is always a great time.

 

8. Let them in on a secret

 

We all have them – our favourite, “Local’s only” spots. Whether it’s a childhood swimming hole, or the best place to catch a sunset, there are plenty of secrets to Vancouver Island.

9. Cheese plates.

 

Nothing says ultimate host or hostess like a well-rounded cheese plate. Grab a few types of Island-made cheese and pick up a bottle of red and/or white from a nearby winery. To amp it up, wrangle up some locally made jellies and antipasto from the Farmer’s Market and maybe some artisan crackers to boot. Then, take it somewhere scenic for a picnic. Excellent food and excellent views are a great appetizer, or way to end the day.

10. Book a tour package

 

Sometimes, being a host can be just as fun for you as it is for your guests. Take the opportunity to play tourist yourself. With Discover Vancouver Island Tours, a local has planned the itinerary for you – you know your guest will experience everything you would have wanted them too and even more than you could have planned yourself. It’s a great way to show off the Island, and do things that even you haven’t had a chance to do yet.

 

Contributed by: Laurissa Cebryk